Robert Hodge

Specialty Training

1981

University of Alberta, Canada

Dental Degree

1973

University of Western Ontario, Canada

Previous Certificate(s) of Registration

General

May 18, 1973 - February 01, 2018

Specialty - Orthodontist

June 05, 1981 - February 01, 2018

Initial Date of Registration

May 18, 1973

Terms, Conditions and Limitations In Effect

Case File: 150454

Decision Date:

April 05, 2017

Caution

As a result of its investigation of a formal complaint, the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee decided to caution Dr. Hodge as follows:

•    As a regulated health professional, Dr. Hodge has a responsibility to maintain professional and appropriate chart notes in the patient record and must abstain from making inappropriate and speculative comments on the personal circumstances of his patients that do not pertain to the practice of dentistry. 

•    Limitations of orthodontic treatment should be reviewed with patients and/or guardians when concerns are raised with respect to treatment outcomes, regardless of whether or not they were reviewed at the outset of treatment. In doing so, Dr. Hodge should be sensitive to the concerns of his patients with respect to the treatment outcomes and should endeavor to manage expectations accordingly. 

•    Dr. Hodge should be mindful of the unique needs of young patients and the parents of young patients with respect to expenses and time spent on orthodontic treatment and should ensure he tailors communication appropriately. 

•    Dr. Hodge should ensure professional and appropriate communication in all correspondence with the College, his governing body. A dentist is distinguished not only by his or her cognitive and clinical skills, but also by his or her commitment to professionalism in interactions with others. The hallmark of a professional dentist is the ability to develop relationships with patients, their agents, and other healthcare providers marked by professional courtesy, effective communication skills, and a caring and professional attitude. Care and effort must be taken to demonstrate respect and consideration in professional interactions, even in stressful circumstances. 

•    Dr. Hodge should be mindful of the impact of repeated rescheduled or delayed appointments in the course of treatment, and when a patient expresses concern in this regard, he should consider communicating with them directly about the issue. 

•    Dr. Hodge exhibits ongoing issues with respect to patient management and professionalism that are extremely troubling to the panel. The mandate of the College is to ensure public protection and a high quality standard of the profession. Dr. Hodge’s repeated instances of unprofessional communication with patients, their guardians, and the College reflects badly on the profession and in turn affects public trust and confidence in the dental profession. 
 

Case File: 170260

Decision Date:

June 20, 2018

Specified Continuing Education or Remedial Program

Current Status:

MEMREV

Required Course

1.	A one-on-one, graduate level course in orthodontics, with a focus on:
a.	Management of complex orthodontic cases;
b.	Taking of appropriate radiographs and models to monitor treatment;
c.	Assessment of ongoing treatment according to radiographic and clinical findings specifically with respect to root resorption; 
d.	Altering treatment plans based on radiographic and clinical findings specifically with respect to root resorption; and
e.	Communicating with patients, guardians and other treating dentists regarding ongoing treatment and changes to treatment plans based on radiographic and clinical findings.

Current Status:

MEMREV

Required Practice Monitoring - Office Visits

Practice to be monitored for 24 months following the completion of a course in orthodontics if pract

Case File: 170271

Decision Date:

December 04, 2018

Caution

Current Status:

MEMREV

As a result of its investigation of a complaint, the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee decided to caution Dr. Hodge as follows:

•    Dr. Hodge has an obligation to cooperate with a College investigation with respect to treatment provided to patients. This responsibility includes providing copies of patient records when requested, in addition to providing a transcript of chart entries that are illegible, in fulfillment of his obligation to maintain clear and legible records according to the College’s Guidelines on Recordkeeping. 

•    Due to Dr. Hodge’s lack of cooperation with the College’s investigation, the panel was unable to fulfill its mandate to assess patient risk and ensure public protection. 

Case File: 170723

Decision Date:

July 03, 2019

Caution

Current Status:

MEMREV

As a result of a complaint, the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee decided to caution Dr. Robert Hodge as follows:

•    As a regulated member of a health profession in Ontario, it is incumbent upon you as a professional with the privilege of providing dental care to the public that you respond to requests from your regulatory body and cooperate with its investigations.  

Specified Continuing Education or Remedial Program

Current Status:

MEMREV

Required Course

Informed Consent

Current Status:

MEMREV

Required Practice Monitoring - Office Visits

for 24 months following completion of a course in Informed Consent

Case File: 190166

Decision Date:

October 25, 2021

Caution

Current Status:

MEMREV

As a result of a complaint, the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee decided to caution Dr. Robert Alexander Hodge as follows:


• You demonstrated a disregard for your professional responsibilities as an Ontario dentist by failing to cooperate with the College in this investigation. You did not reply in any way to the College’s communications about the patient complaint. The College was unable to reach you by phone, email or mail. 

• You have an obligation under the College’s By-Law 16.4 to provide your contact information to the College, and keep this information up-to-date. This includes your home address and telephone number, your email address, and your preferred method of address for communication by the College. 

• Your repeated failure to cooperate with the College has reflected poorly on the dental profession in Ontario. It is expected that you learn from this caution, and the cautions delivered to you in 2018, and 2019; that you will meet your obligations under the College’s By-Law 16.4; and that you will respond to any future College investigations. 

Case File: H190009

Date of Decision:

November 12, 2021

Allegations:

Guilty

• Disgraceful, dishonourable, unprofessional or unethical conduct
• Practised dentistry while certificate of registration was suspended

Penalty:

• $10000 to be paid to College
• Imposed Course/Training specified continuing education or remediation programs in relation to file numbers 170260 and 170723
• Imposed Course/Training to be completed within six (6) months of the Member obtaining an active certificate of registration or such further time as may be permitted by the Registrar
• Imposed Reporting to College - Report completed by the Ethics Instruction Course provider to be submitted to the College within one week of successful completion of course
• Imposed Reporting to College -the Member must inform the College of each and every location at which he practices, in any location, within five days of starting his practice at such location(s)
• Imposed Reporting to College -the member must respond to all College inquiries and requests for information by the due date specified, if no due date specified, then response due within 30 days of date of correspondence sent out
• Reprimand
• Suspension twelve (12) months to take effect on a date when the Member obtains an active certificate of registration to Jan 31, 2020

Appealed:

No

Reasons for Decision
Decision Summary