The investigation into allegations of misconduct against Dr. Ernst Schandl dates back to 2018, according to the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia, which posted a summary of the disciplinary process online Tuesday. The regulator became involved when Schandl “self-reported” about the relationship more than four years ago. A complaint made by the patient followed “a few weeks later,” the public notice from the college says. “The Inquiry Committee found that the investigation raised serious concerns about Dr.’s breach of professional ethics and treatment of this patient. Saddle and instructed the Secretary to issue a report against Dr. Saddle,” he continues. A hearing scheduled for May of this year was canceled when Schandl proposed a consent agreement, admitting to sexual harassment in the four-month relationship with the patient, as well as professional misconduct for failing to maintain proper medical records for that patient. The college’s review board accepted the deal on May 12, allowing the suspension to be delayed until July “given the need to accommodate the enrollee’s student practicum and minimize the impact on the continuity of patient care in the community,” the public said. the notice says. While suspended, he must “conspicuously post a sign” in his Cranbrook practice and is prohibited from being paid or providing any type of patient care, the college’s order states. Schandl will also have to successfully complete a “Professional Boundaries and Ethics Course” and pay the college $2,000.
