Fake dentist convicted of imitating medical specialist in Nunawading and Fitzroy
A MAN who treated patients in Fitzroy and Nunawading while falsely claiming to be a dental specialist has been caught out after bungling efforts to realign teeth.
Law & Order
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A FAKE dentist caught out after botching efforts to realign patients’ teeth has been convicted of imitating a medical specialist and performing restricted acts.
Despite never having been registered as a dentist or health practitioner in Australia, Edward Lipohar had been working at an orthodontic business with premises in Nunawading and Fitzroy before concerns were raised over the condition of two of his patients.
Ringwood Magistrates’ Court heard the patients Mr Lipohar attempted to treat had no idea he did not have qualifications despite him being found to have little knowledge of correct dental procedures.
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After attempting to carry out orthodontic procedures between November, 2015 and September, 2016, one patient was left in pain after Mr Lipohar fitted a retainer.
Another patient was found by real orthodontists to have significant problems with their teeth in the years following Mr Lipohar’s bogus treatments.
After pleading guilty to three charges including claiming to be a dental specialist, Mr Lipohar was fined $65,000 and ordered to pay $25,000 in costs.
Despite the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency directing Mr Lipohar to stop treating patients in August, 2016, he continued his fake practice.
Dental Board of Australia chair Dr John Lockwood said the outcome sent a strong message to anyone who seeking to undermine public trust in the profession.
“Protecting the public is of paramount importance to the Dental Board of Australia and AHPRA,” he said.
AHPRA chief executive officer Martin Fletcher encouraged patients to check the national register to ensure their medical specialists were legitimate.
“The National Law protects the public by ensuring that only registered health practitioners who are suitably trained and qualified can use protected titles such as dental practitioner or specialist titles such as orthodontist,” he said.
“We remind patients to check the national online register of practitioners, to ensure that they are seeing a registered health practitioner.”
* Anyone with concerns about whether an individual is registered can check the Register of practitioners maintained by AHPRA at ahpra.gov.au or contact AHPRA on 1300 419 495