Ontario’s dentist regulatory body is working to strengthen its relationships with Ontario police services, saying it was not aware the dentist accused of killing his two children in Ottawa last week was previously charged and on active probation.
The Ottawa Police Service continues to investigate the deaths of two boys, ages 7 and 12, found in a home on Mandevilla Crescent on June 29.
Police say their father, 40-year-old Mohammed Al-Lami, was found deceased following a car fire in Kemptville and is “believed to have caused their deaths.”
Court documents show Al-Lami was on probation after being found guilty of threatening his ex-wife.
Al-Lami was a dentist, and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario’s directory showed he worked at an office in Ottawa and an office in Iroquois.
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) says there is a requirement for dentists to self-report any criminal charges.
“Dentists are required to disclose to RCDSO any findings of professional negligence or malpractice; findings of guilt for any offences; charges for any offences; bail conditions or restrictions and any subsequent variations; and professional disciplinary, professional misconduct, or incompetence findings by another regulatory or licensing body in any jurisdiction,” a spokesperson for the regulatory body said in an email to CTV News Ottawa.
“Dentists are required to inform the College as soon as possible. In addition, dentists are asked annually as part of registration renewal if they have been charged, or found guilty, or had bail conditions or other disciplinary findings.”
The college said it was not informed of the charges or conviction against Dr. Lami.
“We are working now to strengthen our relationships with all Ontario police services,” the college said.
“We are also working with system partners to help ensure that dentists have access to mental health support and services.”
Court documents show Al-Lami was found guilty in April of this year and received a conditional discharge with 12 months of probation, meaning if he abided by his probation terms, he would not have a criminal record. His conditions included not communicating with his ex-wife except with prior written consent or through a third party or court order to arrange contact with his children.
According to court records from September 2024, Al-Lami had custody of at least one of his sons every other weekend, per a family court agreement.
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario says when information about charges comes to its attention, they “carefully review and consider all information received about a dentist’s practice or conduct carefully.”
“Legislation which governs our college does not allow us to prohibit a dentist from practicing simply because there are pending criminal charges, but there may be certain actions we can take depending on the seriousness,” the college said.
“For example, like other health profession regulators in Ontario, the RCDSO may temporarily restrict or suspend the licence of a health professional during the course of an investigation into allegations of misconduct or incompetence. This power is used rarely and in cases where the conduct of the dentists exposes or is likely to expose patients to harm or injury. The College also has processes to address concerns we receive about a dentist’s health that may impact their ability to practice safely.”
The RCDSO says it employs “substantive media monitoring on a daily basis” for information reported by police, patients or victims, and has “relationships with police services.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, here are some resources that are available:
- ShelterSafe.ca
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline (call 1-866-863-0511)
- Fem’aide (for French-language service call 1-877-336-2433)
- Ontario Victim Services (call 1-888-579-2888)
- If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available:
- Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)
- Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
- Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
- If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy and Hannah Berge
