Retired Manitoba dentist reprimanded for sexual relationship with patient

A dentist's chair is seen in a file photo.

A retired dentist who admitted he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a patient has been ordered to pay a $30,000 fine.

Gary Levine, a former member of the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) who retired in 2024, pleaded guilty to professional misconduct charges before an MDA inquiry panel in April.

According to a summary of the panel’s decision, a former patient of Levine complained to the association alleging the dentist had been involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with her.

The panel found Levine’s conduct was “clearly and demonstrably” in breach of the MDA’s code of ethics when he pursued and engaged in sexual relations with a “financially vulnerable” patient and provided dental services for free to further the relationship.

“His conduct constituted sexual harassment of the patient,” the summary wrote.

The panel heard the patient met Levine in 2005 when she brought her son in for dental correction. The summary said Levine proposed a payment plan for the woman and her two sons to get braces after he found out she was a single mother.

The summary said the woman became a regular patient of Levine’s for five years and received additional dental work from him in subsequent years.

“Shortly after the patient’s first appointment, Dr. Levine began engaging in flirtatious behaviour with the patient, which progressed to sexual encounters and intercourse between Dr. Levine and the patient, both at Dr. Levine’s home and at his clinic,” the summary said.

The panel heard Dr. Levine stopped charging the patient fees for dental services after their sexual relationship started.

“Carrying on a sexual relationship at the clinic and the subsequent waiver of fees was deemed entirely unacceptable,” the summary stated.

The summary said Levine had no disciplinary history with the MDA prior to the complaint and noted the dentist was cooperative during the inquiry process.

Levine was reprimanded by the panel and must pay $30,000 to the MDA for the investigation and hearing. He is also ineligible to seek registration with the MDA for six months.

The summary noted if Levine seeks registration following that period, he must have a chaperone present for any interaction involving a female patient.

Levine would also be required to complete an educational course on maintaining professional boundaries with patients.