A Howell man doing business as Accent Denture Center in Howell has been barred from treating patients after a judge found him guilty of illegally practicing dentistry.

The Michigan Dental Association filed the lawsuit to stop Douglas Sowkin, who is not a licensed dentist, from practicing after receiving numerous complaints from patients.

Livingston County Circuit Judge David J. Reader issued a permanent injunction against Douglas Sowkin, which bars him from engaging in the unauthorized practice of dentistry. Sowkin must refrain from providing any consultation, treatment or diagnosis of any dental disease or other conditions. He must also stop all advertising and cancel all telephone numbers associated with his services.

“Our primary concern in bringing the lawsuit was that patients are at risk when an untrained individual provides denture treatment,” said Connie Verhagen, D.D.S., M.S., a Muskegon dentist and president of the MDA. “If oral cancer or other oral problems remain undiagnosed before a denture is placed, the patient could be in serious trouble.”

The case was initiated when the MDA received complaints from patients about Sowkin and Accent Denture Center. Following an investigation, including interviews with patients who received dentures from Sowkin, the MDA determined Sowkin was illegally practicing dentistry. Only licensed dentists may diagnose and fit patients for dentures, and only dentures prescribed by a licensed dentist can be fabricated by dental labs. In March the MDA sued seeking an injunction stopping Sowkin’s illegal practice.