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Former dentist censured for ‘substandard’ care

Regulator cancels registration of dentist who practised in White Rock and Chilliwack after dozens file lawsuits
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The College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. issued a public notice last month detailing disciplinary proceedings against former South Surrey dentist Narendra (Randy) Narayan.

A former Semiahmoo Peninsula dentist named in several civil lawsuits has admitted to “incompetent practice and professional misconduct,” a notice issued by the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. states.

The notice, posted online Dec. 23, states an investigation into patient and dentist complaints against Narendra (Randy) Narayan – a South Surrey resident who practised in White Rock and Chilliwack – “indicated a pattern of substandard practice.”

“Issues included a failure to diagnose, treat and obtain informed consent from patients, and questionable billing practices,” the notice states.

CDSBC orderDiscipline ordered includes a reprimand; cancellation of Narayan’s registration with the college; and payment of $1,000 to the college for costs of the investigation – all of which were suggested in a consent-order proposal submitted by Narayan in October, shortly before a hearing into the matter was scheduled to get underway.

“There was an agreement made with the college, yes,” Narayan’s lawyer, David Bell, confirmed to Peace Arch News Tuesday.

Bell would not comment on the outcome of the proceedings, citing a lack of direction to that effect from his client.

“I expect I will receive instructions not to comment,” he said.

Narayan’s consent proposal suggests personal circumstances played a role, stating “The college recognizes that Dr. Narayan’s personal difficulties… have likely contributed to the specific professional shortcomings and the overall pattern of competency and ethical concerns.”

Vancouver lawyer Alex Sayn-Wittgenstein said he continues to represent dozens of clients in civil claims – that PAN first reported last February – against Narayan.

One complainant detailed paying “tens of thousands of dollars” for dental work including bridges, root canals and crowns, only to learn from another dentist that “significant aspects” of the work was substandard.

Narayan later filed a statement of defence denying the allegations.

One outstanding claim names “about 70 or 80” complainants, Sayn-Wittgenstein said this week. That claim, filed in May 2013, alleges misrepresentation of the level of care that would be provided, and breach of contract for substandard dental care and treatment. Relief sought includes general damages, specific damages, past and future care costs and past and future loss of income.

Sayn-Wittgenstein said no hearing dates have been set. Some of the claims against Narayan have been dismissed, he added, and none have been proven in court.

“We have over 120 claims,” he said. “Some of those matters have resolved… over the course of the last number of months.”

Neither lawyer would comment on claims that have been resolved. Bell noted confidentiality agreements are in place.

Narayan voluntarily stopped practising dentistry as of July 6, 2012.

Regarding the college proceedings, the order lists conditions Narayan must meet to apply for reinstatement. Those include providing a doctor’s report confirming mental and physical fitness; completing the fourth year of dental school; passing the National Dental Examining Board examinations; and passing a professional ethics course.

 



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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