B.C. dental regulator warns of alleged unauthorized Vancouver practice

The B.C. College of Oral Health Professionals has issued a public warning and obtained a B.C. Supreme Court injunction against a Vancouver man it alleges was engaged in the unauthorized practice of dentistry and use of restricted titles.

The college says it investigated after receiving reports of an alleged practice in a Vancouver residential building. The injunction, granted in February, identifies the respondent as John Doe, also known as Marco Cruz, doing business as Dental Arts.

The order bars him from practising dentistry, using titles including dentist, dental surgeon, surgeon, doctor and dental therapist, or using wording in any language that suggests he is entitled to practise dentistry or is affiliated with the college. It also prohibits him from accepting payment for services that licensed dentists may provide.

The college says it repeatedly attempted to identify and serve the man with legal documents, including cease-and-desist letters and the injunction, but says Marco Cruz's identity remains unknown.