Limoges Orthodontist Facing Disciplinary Action After ARS Suspension

The largest orthodontic practice in Limoges, “Sourire la vie,” remains under scrutiny as Dr. Szustakiewicz faces disciplinary proceedings following a suspension by the Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) in December 2025. The case centers around allegations of ethical breaches and concerns regarding patient care.

Timeline of Events

The situation began in March 2025 with the announcement of a temporary closure of the practice for “health reasons.” This was followed by the discovery of a prior disciplinary sanction, an attempted takeover of the practice that ultimately failed, and a subsequent reopening by Dr. Szustakiewicz in August 2025. The ARS then suspended Dr. Szustakiewicz in December after a search of the practice and the detention of all employees as part of a criminal investigation.

Allegations and Concerns

The ARS and the Departmental Order of Dental Surgeons have raised concerns about several aspects of Dr. Szustakiewicz’s practice. These include:

• Discontinuity of care during the practice’s closure in 2025, with patients experiencing difficulties retrieving their records.
• Reports of hygiene problems, unauthorized procedures performed by dental assistants, unsuccessful treatments, and excessive use of radiology. Specifically, concerns were raised about 19 x-rays performed on a single patient.
• The organization of the practice itself, with a large staff including dental assistants reportedly performing procedures typically reserved for orthodontists, potentially constituting illegal practice.
• A significantly higher turnover compared to the French average – approximately 3.8 million euros in 2023 versus an average of 750,000 euros – raising questions about a “logic of profitability.”

Defense and Counterarguments

Dr. Szustakiewicz, through his lawyer Maître Mylène Bernardon, has defended his practices. Key arguments include:

• The existence of a prior disciplinary procedure and the legal principle preventing double jeopardy for the same facts.
• The assertion that the alleged breaches did not persist after the initial disciplinary proceedings.
• An explanation for the high number of x-rays taken on one patient, citing significant growth over a four-year treatment period.
• A denial that dental assistants performed procedures in patients’ mouths, stating the high turnover was due to paying twenty employees and maintaining efficient equipment.

Recent Disciplinary Hearing

On March 12, 2026, a disciplinary chamber in Bordeaux heard the case. The ARS presented evidence supporting its claims of ethical breaches, while Dr. Szustakiewicz’s lawyer argued against the allegations and questioned the evidence presented. The ARS emphasized the potential risk to patient health and the need to restrict practice freedoms in this case.

Pending Decision and Potential Outcomes

The disciplinary chamber has deliberated and a decision is expected in the coming week. The court may:

• Cancel the ARS suspension, allowing Dr. Szustakiewicz to reopen his practice.
• Sanction Dr. Szustakiewicz with a warning, suspension, or removal.

In either case, both the ARS and Dr. Szustakiewicz have the right to appeal, potentially leading to a second hearing before the National Disciplinary Chamber in Paris.

“Sourire la vie” previously treated nearly 2,500 patients, making it the largest orthodontic practice in Limoges and the surrounding Haute-Vienne department. The tribunal administratif de Limoges previously rejected Dr. Szustakiewicz’s request to suspend the ARS decision in February 2026.