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Hashem did not attend the March disciplinary hearing. But in a 2012 email, he insisted that he had explained all options of treatment to K.W. and that she had approved the treatment and signed a consent form. But the disciplinary committee said it found the patient’s evidence “more credible and reliable.”

Hashem has practised dentistry at a number of locations, including 1800 Bank Street. More recently, he appears to have worked out of a clinic called Glebe Dental, at 738-A Bank St.

Calls to the clinic Thursday went unanswered. Staff at two former branches said Hashem had sold the practices a year or two ago and that he is no longer practising dentistry. His home phone number is unlisted.

In the end, the committee found Hashem guilty of eight acts of professional misconduct, including cementing the human teeth in K.W.’s mouth — a procedure that an expert witness said has never been taught anywhere and posed infection risks.

At the subsequent penalty hearing, the discipline committee imposed its ultimate sanction, revoking Hashem’s licence, saying the dentist was “ungovernable and presents an unacceptable risk to public safety.

“If Dr. Hashem is allowed to continue to practise dentistry, members of the public who attend his practice will be at risk related to poor infection control, lack of informed consent to dental procedures and irregularities in charging of fees,” the college panel concluded.

It said the “defiant tone” of Hashem’s correspondence with the college indicates that he has “no interest or desire to change. Given the privilege to continue practising dentistry, (Hashem) will almost certainly engage in misconduct in the future.”

Though the college no longer had any legal responsibility for Hashem after revoking his dentist’s licence, Fefergrad said it sought an injunction in court at its own expense when it learned that he was continuing to practise.

It will continue to monitor Hashem to make sure he doesn’t see more patients, Fefergrad said.

“We feel we have to do it. No one else is doing it. We just want to make sure the public isn’t at all at risk.”

dbutler@ottawacitizen.com

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