Thousands Lost After Ontario Orthodontist’s Unexpected Passing

Patients who pre-paid for braces from a Windsor, Ont., orthodontist are out thousands of dollars due to his sudden passing – and say they’re losing hope for getting their money back.

Dr. Jim Ghilzon, who ran Ghilzon Orthodontics on Dougall Avenue, died in December 2025. He had been practicing locally for decades, having earned his dentistry degree in 1973 and his orthodontic specialization in 1980.

But Windsor resident Ewelina Kryza says she never considered the chance of Ghilzon passing away when she agreed to pay around $7,500 upfront for her orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Jim Ghilzon of Windsor in a photo that accompanied his obituary in December 2025. (Remembering. ca)

“Anyone can pass away. But I thought, because he was an orthodontist for so long, that there’d be some kind of backup plan in place,” Kryza tells .

“Either another orthodontist working with him or some insurance – just something since it is a business.”

Kryza mentions she’s felt self-conscious about her smile for as long as she can remember. Once she turned 40, she decided it was time to straighten both her upper and lower teeth. Her regular dentist referred her to Ghilzon.

When asked why she opted to pay the full amount upfront, Kryza explained that after crunching the numbers, the contract Ghilzon offered turned out to be 20 percent cheaper than paying as you go.

“It seemed like a great deal,” Kryza said. “Now it’s costing me way more.”

Ewelina Kryza, a former patient of the late Dr. Jim Ghilzon of Windsor. (Dalson Chen/CBC)

Orthodontic work involves regular appointments over several years. Kryza got her braces fitted in 2023 and still had more visits scheduled when she found out about Ghilzon’s death.

Since then, Kryza says she’s received just one email back in February instructing her to find another orthodontist.

“There is a process that has to be followed before any financial arrangements can be made. Unfortunately, this might take some time to finalize,” the message stated.

“This is a very difficult period. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”

The same message from February 9, 2026 is displayed on the entrance of the now-closed offices of Ghilzon Orthodontics at 3109 Dougall Ave.

A view of the interior of Ghilzon Orthodontics on Dougall Avenue in Windsor, as of May 2026. (Dalson Chen/CBC)

Lack of communication frustrates former patients

The building is locked up tight with no staff inside. The dental treatment area visible through its windows appears disorganized.

CBC Windsor’s attempts to reach out via phone and email did not get any responses; contacting surviving family members also proved fruitless.

The practice’s website doesn’t mention anything about Ghilzon’s passing or provide guidance for patients; Google indicates that the practice is permanently closed while listing only him as the practitioner on record.

“We just want some answers,” Kryza said.

The exterior of Ghilzon Orthodontics at 3109 Dougall Ave. in Windsor. (Dalson Chen/CBC)

Feeling frustrated by all this uncertainty, Kryza created a group chat for former clients of Ghilzon who believe they’re owed services. The group has grown to include 23 people so far.

One member is Nicole Fiorito, who paid nearly $6,000 upfront for braces for her twelve-year-old daughter.

“We had just started her treatments,” Fiorito shares. “She got her bottom braces put on back in November 2025.”Windsor resident Nicole Fiorito at home with her daughter who was treated by Dr. Jim Ghilzon. ()

‘I will never pay up front again’

Fiorito recounts how once she learned about Ghil zon’s death , she “stalked” the office until finally speaking with someone there and getting access to her child’s dental records , molds , and paperwork.

That happened months ago , yet there hasn’t been any update regarding refunds. Fiorito mentioned she’s consulted a lawyer and carefully reviewed their contract which fails to mention any contingency plans if something were to happen to him.

“Someone needs to take responsibility here ,” Fiorito insisted. “I’m shocked that there’s nothing set up as backup.”

Fiorito has definitely learned from this experience: No more full payments ahead of time for future treatments.A view inside Ghi l zon Orthodontics on Dougall Avenue during May 2026. (Dalson Chen/CBC)

Dentists are responsible for succession plan for records

The Ontario Dental Association directed us regarding this situation towards the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario instead.

However , RCDSO stated all billing issues fall under jurisdiction by Ontario Dental Association rather than them directly.

“Typically , when a dentist passes away , any succession plan laid out by them comes into play which includes transferring care over active patients along with securing patient records ,” wrote RCDSO spokesperson Lesley Byrne responding back after being asked by CBC Windsor.

Byrne highlighted dentists must adhere strictly towards recordkeeping guidelines set forth under Ontario ‘s Personal Health Information Protection Act along with those outlined by Royal College itself ; an estate trustee should assume control over those vital records.

However , legal matters concerning finances should an office close down falls outside what College regulates according also noted Byrne too.

A view inside Gi hl zon Orthodontics during May 2026. (Dalson Chen/CBC)

‘They made it seem like everything would be taken care of’

Slight talks have emerged among former patients regarding possibly pursuing civil court action but Kr yz a mentioned nobody wants extra legal costs piled onto their dental bills either.

E arlier this month Ky r za finally chose another ortho dontist t o remove h er braces f or roughly $800 ; if sh e decides t o try wearing braces again she’ll need t o start fresh from scratch financially too.

“It’s tough really I trusted them completely They gave me every indication everything would get sorted out properly.”Ewelina Kryza from Windsor displaying one receipt showing payment made toward Gi hl zon O rth odonti cs

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