Legal Ruling: Nova Scotia Court Acquits Retired Dentist Accused of Slapping Young Patients Decades Ago
A retired Nova Scotia dentist, Dr. Errol Gaum, has been acquitted of assault charges in connection with allegations that he slapped and hit young patients during dental procedures several decades ago. The decision, delivered by Justice Kevin Coady of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, follows a lengthy and highly publicized case involving multiple complainants.
The ruling centered on issues of credibility, the passage of time, and the reasonable doubt surrounding the historic allegations of misconduct.
The Background of the Case
Dr. Gaum, 83, faced charges related to alleged incidents that occurred between the mid-1970s and 2007 in his Halifax practice. The charges were prompted by multiple complainants who came forward alleging that Dr. Gaum had used corporal punishment, including slapping and hitting, to subdue them during dental procedures when they were children.
Emotional Testimony: The court heard highly emotional testimony from the complainants, who recounted their experiences and the lasting psychological impact they attributed to the alleged assaults.
Defense Argument: Dr. Gaum maintained his innocence throughout the trial, stating that while he used physical force to restrain patients—a practice that was common, though not universally accepted, at the time—he did not assault them. The defense argued that the memories of the complainants were potentially distorted by the decades that had passed.
The Court’s Reasoning for Acquittal
Justice Coady, in his ruling, acknowledged the distress and sincerity of the complainants but ultimately found that the prosecution had not proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The core of the acquittal rested on the following judicial reasoning:
Inconsistent Accounts: The long lapse of time between the alleged incidents and the trial resulted in inconsistencies in the complainants’ recollection of details.
Lack of Independent Corroboration: There was insufficient independent evidence to corroborate the allegations, making it difficult to differentiate between aggressive restraint and criminal assault in the context of a dental procedure decades ago.
Legal Standard: The judge concluded that while the actions described may have constituted inappropriate or aggressive professional conduct, the evidence did not meet the high standard required to prove criminal assault.
The court ruling closes the criminal proceedings against Dr. Gaum. However, it is important to note that the professional regulatory body, the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia, previously revoked Dr. Gaum’s license in 2020 following an investigation into similar allegations.
Original Article Details
Original Title: Nova Scotia court acquits retired dentist accused of slapping young patients decades ago
Source: Oral Health Group (Content via The Canadian Press)
Publication Date: November 20, 2025