Former Barrie dentist barred from practice after allegations of sexual abuse
Dr. Adam Chapnick is now barred from practicing dentistry in the province of Ontario after the Royal College of Dental Surgeons found him guilty of at least seven violations, including the sexual abuse of a patient.
The college states that dentists are prohibited from having sexual relationships with patients; this includes comments and touching of a sexual nature as well as sexual intercourse and other sex acts.
Even the most casual dating or social relationship with a patient may result in forms of affectionate behaviour that would fall under the Regulated Health Professions Act definition of sexual abuse, according to the college.
The college says legislation clearly prohibits healthcare practitioners from engaging in sexual relationships or other forms of affectionate or sexual behaviour with patients. A patient is legally unable to consent to sexual activity with a dentist.
The decision made by the college in late April came following two investigations into Chapnick by the governing body.
Chapnick was ultimately found guilty of failing to maintain the standards of practice of the profession, including general anesthesia or conscious sedation, inappropriately using authority to prescribe drugs, recommending or providing an unnecessary dental service and sexual abuse of a patient.
The now-former dentist practiced in south Barrie and midtown Toronto but no longer owns or works in either office.
Multiple sources have confirmed to CTV News the allegations date back to incidents from 2016.
The owners of the Barrie dental office say they have nothing to do with the violations that allegedly occurred before Chapnick sold the business to them in 2021.
Chapnick, according to his website, has been a dental surgeon for more than 20 years and comes from a family of dentists.
Social media accounts linked to his practice haven’t actively posted for about two years and calls to Chapnick’s former Toronto office went unanswered. His website says he is not accepting patients at this time.
A former colleague reached out to Chapnick for comment to CTV News and he declined to participate or respond to the allegations, which have not been tested in court.
The college says its disciplinary committee, much like a civil court, finds guilt based on a balance of probabilities and not beyond a reasonable doubt.
Along with losing his licence Chapnick was handed a $10,000 penalty.
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario says it will be releasing a summary of this decision later this month.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.