Alleged Dental Hygienist Impersonator Faces Criminal Charges

CANADA: Emmanuel Fogofolu Osaseri, a 22-year-old man, appeared in British Columbia provincial court on Wednesday, facing criminal charges related to an alleged impersonation of a dental hygienist in Saanich, B.C. Osaseri is charged with fraud under $5,000, linked to an incident on Dec. 20, 2023, and personation to gain advantage, allegedly occurring in early November.

Police Intervention

Saanich police’s major crimes unit initiated an investigation based on a tip about Osaseri allegedly providing dental care without proper training or licensing. Subsequently, he was arrested, but released with conditions, including a prohibition from attending any dental care facility without a personal appointment.

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Sgt. Damian Kowalewich, spokesperson for Saanich police, stated, “Our detectives took steps to intervene as soon as practicable, and ultimately two criminal charges were approved by the B.C. Prosecution Service.”

Investigators collaborated with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals, which issued a public advisory warning about Osaseri, stating that he had never registered with the professional body and lacked authorization to practice as a dental hygienist in the province.

Dr. Chris Hacker, the college’s registrar and CEO, emphasized the responsibility of dental employers to hire registered and certified oral health-care professionals. He added, “They also need to be confident that anyone they refer patients to for care has been granted the authority to provide that care.”

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Public Safety Concerns

The college emphasized the risks posed by unlicensed practitioners to the public, stating that they “have not demonstrated the skills, qualifications, and knowledge to provide ethical and safe care” in accordance with established standards.

The college, overseeing approximately 16,000 oral health professionals in B.C., maintains a public registry where patients can check the status of a dental professional. Concerned individuals who suspect receiving treatment from an unlicensed person are encouraged to report to the college through their website or by calling 1-888-202-0448.

This incident follows a recent case in Central Saanich, where a 34-year-old woman faced charges for personation and making forged documents after attempting to work as a nurse with fake credentials. The police revealed that the woman had applied for and worked in health-care jobs in B.C. and Alberta despite lacking nursing qualifications.