Man accused of impersonating dental hygienist charged with fraud

Police in Saanich, B.C., say a man has been criminally charged for cleaning people’s teeth without the necessary qualifications, while a court document indicates he was impersonating a female dental hygienist.

Emmanuel Fogofolu Osaseri, 22, appeared in B.C. provincial court Wednesday, charged with fraud under $5,000 and personation to gain advantage. The fraud charge stems from an alleged incident between Dec. 20, 2023 and Jan. 2, while the personation offence allegedly occurred from early November to early January.

Unlike him, the hygienist he was allegedly impersonating is registered to work in B.C.

“Osaseri has never registered with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and is not authorized to practise as a dental hygienist in this province,” said college registrar and chief executive officer Dr. Chris Hacker.

Saanich police said their investigation began when the department's major crimes unit was tipped off about someone allegedly providing dental care without proper training or licensing.

“(It was) the individual's work product that raised concerns — not consistent with industry standards,” Saanich police spokesperson Sgt. Damian Kowalewich said in an interview.

“The public expects any time they go to a professional that that person has the proper training."

Osaseri was arrested but released from custody with various conditions, including that he not attend any place that provides dental care unless he has a personal appointment.

A court document indicates he defrauded Dr. Hall Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of a value less than $5,000.

“Employers are responsible for ensuring that all the oral health care professionals they hire are registered/certified with BCCOHP,” Hacker said.

"They also need to be confident that anyone they refer patients to for care has been granted the authority to provide that care," Hacker added.

The college maintains a public registry where patients can check the status of a dental professional in B.C.

Anyone who believes they have received dental treatment from an unlicensed person can report to college staff online at oralhealthbc.ca or by calling 1-888-202-0448.

Unlicensed practitioners are a risk to the public, the college said, because they "have not demonstrated the skills, qualifications and knowledge to provide ethical and safe care" in accordance with the agency's standards.

The college regulates approximately 16,000 oral health professionals in B.C., including certified dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, dental therapists, dentists and denturists.

Last month, a 34-year-old woman in Central Saanich, B.C., was charged with personation and making forged documents after allegedly trying to work as a nurse using fake credentials.

Prior to her arrest, Charrybelle Talaue, who police said uses multiple pseudonyms, had applied for and worked in health-care jobs in B.C. and Alberta, despite her lack of nursing qualifications.