Patients of a Quispamsis orthodontist have more questions than answers after his office closed without warning.
A note on the website of Dr. John Sherrard this week confirmed that the office would be closing for good.
“Sadly, after much heartfelt consideration, we intend to wind up our practice in an orderly manner and would like to sincerely thank the local community and our patients for their support in coming to this difficult decision,” said the note.
Since then, many have taken to social media concerned about what the closure means for their treatment plans.
The note on Sherrard’s website said he is working with the New Brunswick Dental Society to ensure patients are transferred to another orthodontist.
Paul Blanchard, executive director of the society, said they only learned of the closure on Tuesday morning when patients began calling their office.
“Our role is primarily to ensure that patients continue to have a dental care home,” Blanchard said in an email.
“When a clinic is sold, or when a dentist closes his/her clinic, typically there is a significant amount of planning that goes into the transferring of patient records to another custodian.”
Dentists have an obligation under the society’s regulations to transfer patient files within a timely manner, said Blanchard, adding they understand Sherrard is currently in the process of doing this.
As for any potential financial disputes, Blanchard said the society “does not have any authority” over financial matters, adding they would have to be dealt with through the courts.
Our newsroom has been unable to reach Sherrard for comment.
In an update posted on its website late Thursday, Sherrard Orthodontics said all records are being safely maintained and can be transferred to an orthodontist of the patient’s choosing.
It listed contact information for three orthodontists with operations in the KV/Rothesay area.
“For those patients on a payment plan, we have requested the cessation of all scheduled payments and have not triggered any payments since our initial temporary closure at the end of March, but we would encourage you to contact your banking institution to ensure that such payments are not inadvertently made,” said the post.
“For the vast majority of our patients who are with Invisalign, we have arranged that all digital treatment plans and files will be transferred without additional cost from Invisalign to ensure continuity of your treatment.
“For those patients who have ordered and were waiting on the delivery of appliances or retainers, we will arrange to transfer any appliances that we receive along with your patient record to your chosen practitioner.”
