Introduction: Grant Sparks New Scrutiny Over Skills Development Fund
A Toronto-area dentist whose practice publicly claims to treat “the Ford family” is facing renewed scrutiny after one of his companies received a $2 million provincial government grant. While Premier Doug Ford insists he had no involvement in the decision, political observers and opposition leaders say the situation raises troubling questions about transparency and governance within Ontario’s controversial Skills Development Fund.
The grant recipient, Dentacloud—founded by Etobicoke dentist Dr. John Maggirias—secured the multimillion-dollar award in 2024. At the same time, Maggirias’s dental practice, JM Dental, prominently states on its website that patients can expect to feel “as comfortable and relaxed as the Ford family has during their visits with us.” Although it remains unclear which members of the Ford family the claim refers to, the statement has drawn intense public interest due to the significant public funding involved.
A Web of Connections: Website Claims, Donations, and Photographs
Dental Practice Advertises Ties to the Ford Family
On Friday, staff at JM Dental declined to elaborate on the website’s reference to treating the Ford family, refusing to answer questions about which members of the premier’s family had received care at the Etobicoke clinic. Despite the practice’s promotional claim, Premier Doug Ford categorically denied being a patient.
“I haven’t been there,” Ford told reporters. “I’ll have to check if my brother’s kids or other family members have been there, but come on—that’s all I’ve got to say. My dental guy is in Scarborough.”
Ford’s late brother, former Toronto mayor Rob Ford, appears in photographs from 2013 posted on JM Dental’s website. The images suggest at least some past connection between the Ford family and the practice, though no details have been confirmed.
Political Donations and Public Appearances
Corporate records show that Dr. John Maggirias, the director of JM Dental, has donated over $20,000 to Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party and its candidates. A photograph posted by the premier’s office also shows Maggirias posing with Doug Ford at an event.
Additionally, video footage published by The Trillium shows Ford and Maggirias joking together at a fundraiser, providing further evidence of a friendly rapport between the dentist and the premier.
Still, Ford maintains that he did not interfere in any way with the grant process benefiting Maggirias’s separate company, Dentacloud.
“I don’t get involved in these decisions,” the premier said. “That’s why I have ministers. I don’t believe in micromanaging.”
Dentacloud: The $2 Million Grant at the Centre of Controversy
Grant Awarded Despite Growing Concerns About the Fund
In 2024, Dentacloud received a $2 million grant through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, a program meant to support workforce training initiatives across the province. However, the fund has been surrounded by controversy since CTV News reported that certain grants were approved despite the objections of non-partisan public service staff.
In October, Ontario’s Auditor General issued a damning assessment, revealing that more than half of the time, decisions involving approximately $750 million in grants were directed by political staff rather than through transparent or accountable processes.
The Dentacloud grant, in particular, has resurfaced amid broader concerns about the fund’s governance under Labour Minister David Piccini. Piccini already faces complaints before the Integrity Commissioner regarding his involvement in funding decisions, including attending events with individuals tied to grant-receiving companies.
Dentacloud Defends Its Use of Funds
In September, Dentacloud’s chief operating officer, Edward Kwan, told CTV News that the funding had been used responsibly to address staffing shortages across Ontario’s dental industry.
Kwan stated that the grant supported training for 349 individuals, resulting in over 70 hires in dental clinics.
“Dentacloud was positioning the recipients to have the specialized skills that are necessary for success in the dental workplace,” he said.
Kwan did not respond to new inquiries about the Ford-related claims posted on JM Dental’s website.
Premier Denies Involvement: ‘This Isn’t Something I Touch’
Ford Insists He Played No Role in Grant Decision
Responding to reporters’ questions about Maggirias and Dentacloud, Premier Doug Ford issued a firm denial of any involvement in approving the multimillion-dollar allocation.
“I don’t get involved in these decisions,” Ford repeated. “I hold people accountable, but this is why we have ministers.”
He added that he was unaware of any family members receiving care at JM Dental but promised to check.
“My dental guy is in Scarborough. He has two offices. I’ll ask my whole family if they’ve ever gone to that dentist.”
Opposition Accuses Premier of Oversight Failures
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles challenged Ford’s attempt to distance himself from the matter, arguing that the connections are too significant to ignore.
“The company talks openly about the Ford family,” Stiles said. “The premier has been at fundraisers with this dentist. This is a $2.5 billion fund. This isn’t the premier’s personal piggy bank.”
Stiles is among several political leaders calling for deeper scrutiny into how the Skills Development Fund approved recipients and whether political relationships played a role in decision-making.
Regulatory Issues: Dental Advertising Rules in the Spotlight
Experts Question Legitimacy of ‘Ford Family’ Claim
The promotional language on JM Dental’s website is unusual for Ontario dental practices. According to advertising rules established by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), dentists must avoid using unverified testimonials or statements that rely solely on a patient’s personal experience or feelings.
Kyle Hamilton, CEO of The Dental Marketing Company, says the practice’s website raises red flags.
“I would guide my clients away from making a statement like this,” Hamilton explained. “The question is, who is making the claim? And can it be verified?”
Regulator Declines to Confirm Complaint Status
The RCDSO said it could not confirm or deny whether it had received a complaint concerning JM Dental’s advertising claims. As of Friday, the premier’s office did not say whether any members of the Ford family had acknowledged receiving dental treatment at the clinic.
Growing Debate Surrounding the Skills Development Fund
Pattern of Concern Emerging Over Funding Decisions
The Dentacloud grant is only the latest in a string of controversies involving the Skills Development Fund. Previous reporting revealed that large grants were awarded to companies outside traditional training sectors—including a popular chain of bars and restaurants—against the advice of non-partisan staff.
Critics say such decisions highlight systemic flaws in oversight, political influence, and the government’s approach to distributing billions in public funds.
Meanwhile, Integrity Commissioner complaints related to Minister Piccini continue to mount, making the Dentacloud situation part of a widening debate over accountability and transparency within the Ford government’s labour portfolio.
Conclusion: Questions Persist as Government Faces Heightened Scrutiny
As the political fallout from Dentacloud’s $2 million grant intensifies, Ontario’s government faces renewed pressure to explain how funding decisions are made and whether political relationships play a role. The unexpected revelation that the grant recipient’s affiliated dental practice claims to treat “the Ford family” has added another layer of complexity to an already controversial program.
With opposition leaders demanding answers, regulatory bodies reviewing practices, and public scrutiny growing stronger, the provincial government must clarify its decision-making processes and reassure Ontarians that public funds are being distributed transparently, fairly, and without favour.
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