Patients in Windsor, Ontario, who prepaid for orthodontic treatment from a local orthodontist are facing financial loss following the sudden passing of Dr. Jim Ghilzon. Dr. Ghilzon, a long-time practitioner in the area, received his dentistry degree in 1973 and specialized in orthodontics in 1980. Ewelina Kryza, a resident of Windsor, expressed her shock and disappointment at the lack of contingency plans in place after paying approximately $7,500 upfront for braces.
Having struggled with insecurity about her smile, Kryza decided to undergo orthodontic treatment with Dr. Ghilzon after being referred by her regular dentist. Opting for the upfront payment option, which was 20% cheaper than pay-as-you-go, seemed like a good deal at the time. However, Dr. Ghilzon’s unexpected demise has left Kryza and other patients in limbo, with no clear path for reimbursement or continuation of treatment.
Despite receiving minimal communication and being advised to seek a new orthodontist, former patients like Kryza and Nicole Fiorito, who prepaid nearly $6,000 for her daughter’s braces, are left with unanswered questions and financial losses. The lack of a succession plan or information regarding refunds has led to frustration among patients.
Efforts to contact Ghilzon Orthodontics have been futile, with the practice’s website providing no guidance on the situation. The Ontario Dental Association and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario have indicated that patient care and record transfer responsibilities lie with the deceased dentist’s estate trustee. However, legal recourse for patients in cases of office closure remains uncertain.
Amid the uncertainty, former patients are contemplating legal action, although the prospect of additional expenses deters many from pursuing this route. For patients like Kryza, who had to seek alternative orthodontic care, the financial burden of starting the treatment process anew adds to their disappointment and disillusionment with the situation.