A White Rock dentist has been fined $10,000 after admitting to professional misconduct following an investigation into three patient complaints. According to a public notice released Tuesday by the B.C. College of Oral Health Professionals, Dr. Robert Letnick admitted to numerous instances of professional misconduct involving poor record‑keeping, improper prescribing practices, infection-control lapses and substandard treatment. What Dr. Letnick admitted to Investigators found that, in multiple cases, Letnick failed to properly maintain patient records by not documenting information about patients’ medical histories, medications, anesthetic dosages, materials used and details of some treatments. In one case, the BCCOHP says Letnick admitted to providing root canal treatment to a tooth that already had an unretrievable broken file in one of its canals—meaning a small metal tool had snapped inside the tooth during a previous root canal and could not be removed—and then improperly sealed the tooth at the end of the procedure. In another case, the regulator says Letnick placed crowns on two teeth that did not have enough remaining tooth structure, which later caused the crowns to fail. The investigation also identified repeated issues related to prescribing practices that did not align with professional standards. Letnick admitted to prescribing antibiotics on five occasions and prescribing opioid pain medication on six occasions, without adequate documentation of clinical need. He also admitted to prescribing combinations of medications that should not be taken together due to “the risk of gastrointestinal effects,” the college said. In addition, Letnick acknowledged he failed to adequately explain treatment options to at least one patient—including the risks, benefits and costs of alternative approaches—before proceeding with the treatment. Investigators also found Letnick breached infection‑prevention and professionalism standards by using his personal cellphone during patient appointments. He further admitted to failing to treat a patient with respect and dignity, contrary to the profession’s code of ethics. Costly consequences Rather than going to a disciplinary hearing, Letnick and the college agreed to a resolution. As part of that agreement, he received a formal reprimand and was instructed to complete mandatory training on antibiotic use, opioid prescribing, communication and professionalism. Letnick must also complete two full-day case reviews with approved mentors and commit to specific changes in how he practises when it comes to record keeping and prescribing standards. In addition to a $10,000 fine, he is also required to pay $2,000 toward investigation costs. “The inquiry committee was satisfied Dr. Letnick’s admissions and the extensive remediation, investigation costs and fine to which he consented was appropriate and proportionate in addressing the conduct and provided assurances that the public will be protected,” the notice concluded. The case was handled under the former Health Professions Act, which was in effect until the end of March.
