Fake orthodontist convicted

A Victorian man has been convicted and fined $65,000 plus $25,000 in costs for pretending to be an orthodontist.

Ringwood Magistrates’ Court, Victoria, convicted and fined Edward Lipohar for unlawfully claiming to be a dental specialist and performing restricted dental acts on two patients, following charges filed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Lipohar was convicted after pleading guilty to three charges, including holding himself out as (claiming to be) a dental specialist (orthodontist), and two charges of performing restricted dental acts on two patients.

The charges related to Lipohar’s conduct between November 2015 and September 2016 while working at an orthodontic business with premises in Nunawading and Fitzroy, Victoria. During this time he attempted to carry out orthodontic procedures, including fitting corrective or restorative dental appliances.

Orthodontic procedures are restricted dental acts and can only be carried out by someone registered as a dentist. Lipohar continued to attempt those treatments after being directed to stop by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in August 2016.

AHPRA CEO Martin Fletcher said that the Register of practitioners helps protects the public from ‘fake’ practitioners.

“The National Law¹ protects the public by ensuring that only registered health practitioners who are suitably trained and qualified can use protected titles such as dental practitioner or specialist titles such as orthodontist.”

1. The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, as in force in each state and territory (the National Law).

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