The regulatory body for dentists in Ontario is looking to improve its connections with local police, as it was unaware that the dentist charged with killing his two children in Ottawa last week had a prior charge and was on active probation.
The Ottawa Police Service is still investigating the tragic deaths of two boys, aged 7 and 12, who were found at a residence on Mandevilla Crescent on June 29.
Authorities report that their father, 40-year-old Mohammed Al-Lami, was discovered dead after a car fire in Kemptville and is “believed to have caused their deaths.”
Legal documents indicate that Al-Lami was on probation following a conviction for threatening his ex-wife.
Al-Lami practiced dentistry, and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario’s directory noted he worked at offices in both Ottawa and Iroquois.
According to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), dentists must self-report any criminal charges against them.
“Dentists are required to disclose to RCDSO any findings of professional negligence or malpractice; findings of guilt for any offences; charges for any offences; bail conditions or restrictions and any subsequent variations; and professional disciplinary, professional misconduct, or incompetence findings by another regulatory or licensing body in any jurisdiction,” a spokesperson for the regulatory body stated in an email to Ottawa.
“Dentists are required to inform the College as soon as possible. In addition, dentists are asked annually as part of registration renewal if they have been charged, or found guilty, or had bail conditions or other disciplinary findings.”
The college confirmed it was not notified about the charges or conviction related to Dr. Lami.
“We are working now to strengthen our relationships with all Ontario police services,” said the college.
“We are also working with system partners to help ensure that dentists have access to mental health support and services.”
Mohammed Al-Lami’s dental office in Iroquois The aftermath of a fire at a dental office in Iroquois where Mohammed Al-Lami worked. July 3, 2026. (Natalie van Rooy/ Ottawa)
Court records reveal that Al-Lami was convicted earlier this year in April and received a conditional discharge along with 12 months of probation. This means if he followed his probation rules, he wouldn’t end up with a criminal record. His conditions included not contacting his ex-wife unless through prior written consent or via a third party or court order regarding arrangements for seeing his children.
As per family court records from September 2024, Al-Lami had custody of at least one son every other weekend based on an agreement.
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario says when they receive information about criminal charges against a dentist, they “carefully review and consider all information received about a dentist’s practice or conduct carefully.”
“Legislation which governs our college does not allow us to prohibit a dentist from practicing simply because there are pending criminal charges, but there may be certain actions we can take depending on the seriousness,” stated the college.
“For example, like other health profession regulators in Ontario, the RCDSO may temporarily restrict or suspend the licence of a health professional during an investigation into allegations of misconduct or incompetence. This power is used rarely and only when there’s potential harm posed to patients due to the dentist’s conduct. The College also has procedures for addressing concerns about a dentist’s health that might affect their ability to practice safely.”
The RCDSO mentions it carries out “substantive media monitoring on a daily basis” regarding reports made by police officers, patients, or victims while maintaining “relationships with police services.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, here are some resources that are available:
If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available:Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988)Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
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With files from Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy and Hannah Berge
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