The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) has reversed its earlier position and suspended the licence of a dentist facing sexual assault charges in both Cobourg and Oshawa.
Dr. Sunilkumar Patel, 38, of Ajax, was charged by the Cobourg Police Service with one count of sexual assault on July 6, 2026, following an investigation that began on June 27, 2026.
Patel was held for a bail hearing before being released on conditions with a future court date but still allowed to practice dentistry.
According to the RCDSO’s public register, Patel was already facing two counts of sexual assault related to criminal charges laid in Oshawa on July 24, 2024.
The College’s public register indicated Patel had continued to practise under a series of voluntary undertakings and restrictions that took effect on Sept. 25, 2024.
On July 7, RCDSO spokesperson Lesley Byrne confirmed that Patel remained licensed to practise under restrictions.
However, in a significant reversal, Byrne contacted Today’s Northumberland on Friday, July 10, stating, “The College has suspended his licence to practice, effective today (July 10, 2026).”
No reason for the change in the College’s decision was provided.
The suspension means Patel is no longer permitted to practise dentistry in Ontario while the College’s action remains in effect.
The criminal charges before the courts have not been proven, and Patel is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Exclusive – Cobourg Dentist Charged with Sexual Assault Was Already Facing Similar Charges in Durham
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
