Ontario dentist allegedly used unlicensed veneers in patients' mouths and pocketed the profit (2024)

An Ontario dentist is being accused of medical malpractice and battery, according to multiple lawsuits.

Dr. Hisham Kaloti allegedly installed unapproved dental veneers and crowns without patient consent, resulting in numerous injuries and complications, the lawsuit states.

Toronto-based law firm Advocai LLP filed the lawsuits in 2023 and 2024 on behalf of former patients who allege that Kaloti used unlicensed dental equipment from China while operating his dental practice, The Smile Stylist, in the Greater Toronto Area and Oakville region before closing in 2022.

Kaloti is still an official member of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), and runs a practice in Norwood, Ont. National Post reached out to Kaloti who did not respond to request for comment by publication time.

Kaloti allegedly installed the unlicensed devices without patient knowledge or consent, which is a legal requirement under Ontario’s Health Care Consent Act (HCCA).

“We encourage all patients who have had veneers or crowns installed by Dr. Kaloti to find out whether their medical devices were ordered from the ‘Foo Tian Dental Laboratory,’ which is an unregistered laboratory based in China,” Advocai LLP partner Christine Morano said in a statement released earlier in June.

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Advocai LLP claims Kaloti allegedly profited from the cost difference between the unlicensed equipment and dental devices produced by certified Canadian laboratories and approved by Health Canada. The alleged profits are unknown at this time.

The plaintiffs claim they have suffered a range of injuries and complications due to Kaloti’s alleged procedures, including pain and suffering, damaged teeth, bite misalignment and tooth discolouration.

Advocai LLP seeks damages for alleged battery, negligence and breach of fiduciary duty, and demands punitive and aggravated damages. The exact amount will not be revealed until all alleged former patients come forward.

Additionally, the plaintiffs are seeking reimbursem*nt for an unspecified amount covering the costs paid to Kaloti and the expenses required to correct the dental work.

Potential victims who believe they may have been affected by Kaloti’s alleged practices or who seek more information about the ongoing lawsuits are encouraged to come forward.

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