Dentist cited for unneeded fillings

A Winnipeg dentist has been disciplined for providing unnecessary dental work to aboriginal patients.

Dr. Donald J. Bachinsky pleaded guilty to three counts of professional misconduct after Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch saw statistical anomalies in his billings for aboriginal patients. Further analysis led to a complaint before the Manitoba Dental Association that he filled teeth even though fillings were not required.

Bachinsky last practised at the Greenwoods Dental Centre at 693 McPhillips St.

The CBC News ITeam learned that Bachinsky pleaded guilty last month to the allegations of professional misconduct.

The dental association said Bachinsky hadn't been keeping appropriate records for work he claimed was done between April 2005 and December 2007, and that work performed on teeth of multiple patients was unnecessary.

Bachinsky has been ordered to pay $24,000 in costs and is suspended from practising for six months. If he starts his dental practice again Bachinsky will need retraining, and will have to be monitored by another dentist.

Contacted by CBC, Dr. Bachinsky declined to comment for this story.