A man is facing criminal charges for acting in the role of a dental hygienist in Saanich without authorization.

On Jan. 4, 2024, the Saanich Police Major Crime Unit received information about suspicious activity involving a person acting in the role of a dental hygienist.

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Through an extensive investigation, and with assistance from the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP), it was determined that Emmanuel Osaseri was providing dental care without the proper training or licensing.

On Jan. 10, 2024, Osaseri was charged with two criminal code offences:

• Personation with intent to gain advantage | Sec. 403 (1) (a)
• Fraud Under $5000 | Sec. 380 (1) (b)

Osaseri has never registered with the BCCOHP and is not authorized to practice as a dental hygienist in this province. 

The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit has taken action to stop him from providing dental treatment to the public.

Osaseri was released with various conditions, including not to attend any place that provides dental service, unless he has a personal appointment.

“The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit moved swiftly on this case to prevent Mr. Osaseri from providing further dental treatment to the public. While working with the BCCOHP, our detectives took steps to intervene as soon as practicable and ultimately two criminal charges were approved by the BC Prosecution Service,” stated Sgt. Damian Kowalewich.

“Employers are responsible for ensuring that all the oral health care professionals they hire are registered/certified with BCCOHP. They also need to be confident that anyone they refer patients to for care has been granted the authority to provide that care,” says Dr. Chris Hacker, Registrar and CEO of the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.

The BCCOHP adds that anyone can check the status of an oral health care professional using the online public register.