An association representing Quebec's dental assistants says 95% of dentists ask their employees to do procedures assistants are not licensed to do - including taking mouth moulds and x-rays and injecting painkillers.
The association told CJAD 800 News that any assistant refusing to do what the boss asks often risks being fired.
An orthodontics professor at the University of Montreal told La Presse - which featured one whistleblower's story - that when he sees botched work, it's usually because dental office assistants were told to do the procedures.
The Quebec Order of Dentists said the rules governing who can do what are badly in need of an update because of technological advances.
President Dr. Barry Dolman said they are in negotiations with the Quebec government and the different relevant associations to update the rules.
Dolman said he's surprised by the allegations but added that 99% of Quebec's 5000 dentists respect the rules.
"I don't think from a normative perspective that patients should be concerned tomorrow morning when they head off to their dentist to seek treatment," said Dolman in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
Dolman said they urge dental employees to file complaints with the Order of Dentists.