Dental Misconduct Case: Royal College v Gewarges – 2026 ONRCDSO 1

February 14, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) adjourned discipline hearings against a former dentist, Dr. Gewarges, initially scheduled following allegations of sexual abuse of a patient, professional misconduct, and breaches of the Health Professions Procedural Code and the Dentistry Act, 1991. The initial notices of hearing were issued on October 20, 2021.

According to documents filed with the RCDSO, the allegations against Dr. Gewarges included sexual abuse under section 51(1)(b.1) of the Health Professions Procedural Code, and professional misconduct through contravention of provisions within the Dentistry Act, 1991, and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. These allegations stemmed from two counts of sexual assault and one count of touching for a sexual purpose, as determined by a criminal court.

Further allegations detailed conduct considered disgraceful, dishonourable, unprofessional, or unethical, violating section 2(59) of Ontario Regulation 853. The RCDSO’s Discipline Committee determined that permanently removing Dr. Gewarges from the practice of dentistry would protect the public and serve the public interest.

A separate case, Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario v Rondeau, 2024 ONRCDSO 2, resulted in the immediate revocation of another dentist’s license. The dentist in that case admitted to initiating an intimate relationship with a patient while she was under his care between 2020 and 2022, engaging in sexual relations including unwanted touching, and sending sexually explicit electronic messages. He also admitted to travelling with the patient, discussing purchasing a home together, and allowing her access to his vacation property. The Discipline Committee found him guilty of professional misconduct under the Health Professions Procedural Code and ordered the immediate revocation of his license, requiring reimbursement of funds provided to the patient by the College.

The RCDSO’s actions in both cases underscore the regulator’s commitment to addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and upholding professional standards within the dental profession. The adjourned hearing for Dr. Gewarges remains pending, with no latest hearing date currently scheduled.