After receiving reports of a suspicious man who was acting as a dental hygienist, Saanich Police’s Major Crime Unit investigated the matter, resulting in charges being pressed.
Emmanuel Osaseri was arrested on Thursday, January 5th and charged just one week later for his actions of providing fraudulent dental care for people without proper training or licensing.
The BC College of Oral Health Practitioners (BCCOHP) say Osaseri was never registered with their organization, who are the authority over all dentists and dental hygienists in BC.
Osaseri was charged with personation with intent to gain advantage as well as fraud under $5,000.
After he was charged, Osaseri was released with conditions, which include not being allowed to attend any dental offices, unless he has an appointment of his own.
“The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit moved swiftly on this case to prevent Mr. Osaseri from providing further dental treatment to the public,” said Sgt. Damian Kowalewich.
“While working with the BCCOHP, our detectives took steps to intervene as soon as practicable and ultimately two criminal charges were approved by the BC Prosecution Service.”
The BCCOHP say that anyone who believes they received dental services from Osaseri should report it to their complaints department.
“Employers are responsible for ensuring that all the oral health care professionals they hire are registered/certified with BCCOHP,” says Dr. Chris Hacker, Registrar and CEO of the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.
“They also need to be confident that anyone they refer patients to for care has been granted the authority to provide that care.”
The location of where the incidents took place were not released.
