Dentist Agrees To Stop Doing Hair Transplants

An Ontario oral surgeon has agreed to stop doing hair transplants and cosmetic surgery as part of a disciplinary action by the Oregon Board of Dentistry.

An investigation by the board found that Waldon E. Isom had gone beyond the scope of dental practice when he performed liposuction on one patient’s hips and thighs, and hair transplants on three patients.

The board also found that during an operation to repair a fractured jaw, Isom had stuck a wire through one of his surgical assistant’s gloves and into her finger.

Isom would not allow her to change her gloves and he continued to use the wire, the board said. Isom said a disgruntled ex-employee made those allegations.

Investigators also found that Isom failed to keep proper records on administering general anesthesia or sedatives.

The board signed an agreement Friday under which Isom promised to restrict his treatments to teeth and jaws. Isom was fined $7,500 and placed on probation for five years. He must perform at least 100 hours of continuing education, and participate in a 40-hour anesthesia training program.

During the board’s meeting, Isom said he has been trained in cosmetic surgery and should be allowed to perform those procedures.

“I’ve had excellent results,” he said. “My patients are happy. I’ve never had a suit. Nobody’s hinted at it.”

David K. Miller, a Portland attorney representing Isom, said the board is being unreasonable.

“On first blush, a person with dental training might be legitimately questioned about why that should include surgery on other parts of the head and face,” Miller said. “However, the significant extra training of the oral-surgery specialist prepares that practitioner for surgeries beyond the teeth.”