Paul Biddle is a former denturist registered with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
Discipline Hearing
On July 10, 2024, a panel of the Discipline Committee of BCCOHP conducted a hearing pursuant to section 38 of the Health Professions Act (HPA), to hear and determine allegations from an amended citation dated May 31, 2024. The hearing related to investigations regarding two unrelated complaints from two different complainants received in 2022 and 2023. BCCOHP alleged that Mr. Biddle failed to respond to and cooperate with BCCOHP regarding the two investigations.
The hearing was conducted to determine whether Mr. Biddle:
- has not complied with the HPA, a regulation or a bylaw;
- has not complied with a standard, limit or condition imposed under the HPA;
- has committed professional misconduct or unprofessional conduct.
Mr. Biddle did not attend the hearing, and no one was in attendance on his behalf. The panel was satisfied that Mr. Biddle was properly served the citation and was provided with the link to attend the hearing remotely, pursuant to section 37(1) and (2) of the HPA. The panel was also not aware of any reason for Mr. Biddle’s failure to attend. Therefore, the panel decided to proceed with the hearing in his absence.
Findings
The panel of the Discipline Committee accepted the evidence provided and found that BCCOHP proved the allegations in the citation.
The panel found that Mr. Biddle breached BCCOHP bylaws 6.09 and 13.04, and section 19(8) of the HPA by:
- not notifying BCCOHP of his new contact information; and
- failing to cooperate with BCCOHP’s investigations and respond fully and substantively to BCCOHP’s communication regarding the two complaints over a lengthy period.
The panel found that Mr. Biddle’s breach of these bylaws and the HPA constitutes professional misconduct.
Next steps
The parties may provide the Panel with written submissions on penalty and costs by the following schedule:
- BCCOHP may provide submissions by December 12, 2024.
- Mr. Biddle may provide his submissions by January 16, 2025.
- BCCOHP may provide reply submissions by January 23, 2025.
This post will be updated once a decision is rendered on penalty and costs.
This is a summary of the decision of the Discipline Committee panel. Click here to view the full decision. This decision is being published in accordance with s. 39.3(1)(d).