A high profile dentist who spruiked a no-brace method of straightening teeth has been banned for four years.
Best known as the proprietor of Melbourne's No Brace Centre, Ari Masters was banned during a professional disciplinary proceeding arising from complaints about poor quality orthodontic treatment.
It was alleged he provided sub-par treatment to 10 patients, nine of whom were children, between April 2008 and January 2019.
He presented himself as a practitioner who could provide an orthodontic service for children, which was less invasive than that generally provided by orthodontists.
"The approach is different from what might be called 'traditional' or 'conventional' orthodontics," his website said.
But in actual fact, he didn't have the qualifications to undertake orthodontic treatment.
Mr Masters, who no longer uses doctor as a honorific, was referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal by the Dental Board of Australia in 2022.
He surrendered his registration in August 2019 and did not participate in the recent tribunal hearing, led by senior member Jonathan Smithers.
"In pursuing this model of treatment, Dr Masters provided inadequate care to the ten patients the subject of these proceedings, amounting to professional misconduct," Mr Smithers said in his written findings.
"He treated patients beyond his area of expertise ... His treatment often went for years longer than it should have, causing additional inconvenience, discomfort and expense to his patients and their parents.
"In a number of instances, the treatment led to adverse outcomes. He made some fundamental misdiagnoses."
The tribunal found Mr Masters conduct was "damaging to the reputation of the profession", including both general practitioners and pediatric orthodontic specialists.
He was officially suspended for four years.
