B.C. dentist fined $12,000 after improper prescriptions, record failures and flawed root canal treatment

A British Columbia dentist has been reprimanded and ordered to pay $12,000 after admitting to a series of professional misconduct findings, including improper prescribing practices, poor patient record-keeping and treatment issues tied to a failed root canal. The disciplinary notice was issued by the B.C. College of Oral Health Professionals and identifies the dentist as Dr. Robert Letnick of White Rock.

The regulator said the matter followed investigations into three complaints. It later accepted Letnick’s proposal to resolve the citation on March 30, 2026, with the public notice dated April 21, 2026.

Regulator cites treatment and record-keeping failures

According to the notice, Letnick admitted he failed to adequately maintain patient records in multiple ways. Those failures included not recording anesthetic dosages on several occasions, not documenting composite materials used in treatment on two occasions, and failing to record any information at all about one root canal procedure.

The college also said he performed root canal treatment on a tooth with an unretrievable broken file in one canal and then improperly relied on sealer as the final obturation material instead of gutta-percha. The regulator said that may have contributed to the root canal failing.

The notice further states that Letnick failed to maintain a complete medical history for a patient, including a medication list, and failed to record valid informed consent in one case involving restorative treatment options, risks, benefits and costs.

Improper prescriptions also detailed

The disciplinary record says Letnick prescribed antibiotics on five occasions in circumstances that were not supported by systemic symptoms, were not in keeping with current practice, or were not properly documented.

It also says he prescribed Tylenol #3, which contains acetaminophen and codeine, on six occasions in a manner not consistent with current practices or without properly documenting the clinical need. In another instance, the notice says he prescribed both Decadron and Naproxen together, despite the risk of harmful gastrointestinal effects when those drugs are combined.

The regulator also found that after restorative treatment on two teeth, he prescribed Amoxicillin without documenting the clinical need or symptoms of an active infection.

Cellphone use and additional concerns

Among the admitted misconduct findings, Letnick also acknowledged using his cellphone during a patient appointment, which the college said breached infection prevention and control requirements.

The notice also says he placed crowns on two teeth where there was not enough remaining tooth structure, contributing to the crowns failing.

Reprimand, coursework and fines ordered

As part of the resolution, the college issued a reprimand and ordered Letnick to complete training on responsible antibiotic use and opioid prescribing, along with case reviews focused on endodontics, pharmacology, record-keeping, informed consent and prosthodontics.

He also agreed to undertakings requiring him to update medical histories before treatment, avoid taking personal calls or texts while with patients, and prescribe antibiotics and opioids in accordance with current standards.

In total, Letnick was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and $2,000 toward the cost of the investigation. The college said the admissions, remediation, costs and fine were appropriate and proportionate to address the misconduct and protect the public.