Patients Lose Thousands After Orthodontist's Sudden Death

The sudden passing of a Windsor, Ontario orthodontist has left multiple patients facing significant financial losses, raising concerns about business continuity and the protection of prepaid services. Dr. Jim Ghilzon, who operated Ghilzon Orthodontics on Dougall Avenue, died in December 2025. Following his death, patients who had paid thousands of dollars in advance for dental treatments are struggling to secure refunds or continue their care.

The Consequences of Inadequate Succession Planning

Dr. Ghilzon had practiced locally for decades, having obtained his dentistry degree in 1973 and his orthodontic specialization in 1980. Despite his long-standing presence in the community, the practice lacked a formal succession plan. Ewelina Kryza, a Windsor resident, paid approximately $7,500 upfront for orthodontic treatment. She chose the advance payment option because the contract offered a 20 percent discount compared to incremental payments.