Years later, former patient testifies she’s still haunted by dentist visit
Nearly three decades later, a woman still carries the haunting memory of her traumatic experience at the hands of her former dentist, Dr. Errol Gaum. The 40-year-old woman, dressed in her choir uniform, recounted in Halifax provincial court how Gaum would mistreat her during dental visits from the age of 2 to 17. She described him as a bully who would become enraged, slapping her, covering her mouth, and pinching her.
During her testimony, the woman recalled a specific incident when she was 13 or 14 years old. Gaum forced her mouth open until her lips split, then slapped her when she cried out and raised her hand in defense. She tearfully shared how she would disassociate from the painful experiences, keeping them hidden from her family out of embarrassment and shame.
Despite not being one of the complainants in the assault charges against Gaum, the woman decided to come forward after hearing about the allegations against him in 2020. Witnessing the bravery of others who spoke out against the dentist’s misconduct, she felt compelled to share her own story. She was particularly moved by the story of a six-year-old girl who had suffered mistreatment at Gaum’s hands.
The trial of Dr. Errol Gaum has brought to light disturbing accounts of abuse and misconduct towards young patients. While Gaum has not been charged with assaulting the woman who testified, her detailed recollection of the traumatic events she endured may play a crucial role in the proceedings. The prosecution aims to convince Judge Elizabeth Buckle to consider the testimonies of witnesses who were not included in the initial charges against Gaum.
The woman’s courage in coming forward and sharing her story sheds light on the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma. As the trial continues, the hope is that justice will be served for all those who have suffered at the hands of Dr. Errol Gaum.
