Probation from the Arizona Dental Board against the licenses of dentists in Arizona is offered through a Consent Agreement. The Consent Agreement requires the dentist do certain things (drug testing, work supervision, counseling, continuing education). Or alternatively, refrain from doing things (using alcohol, prescribing scheduled drugs, seeing certain patients, etc.). The Arizona Dental Board can place dentists on probation through:
- Stipulated Rehabilitation Agreement
- Interim Practice Restriction
- Decree of Censure with Probation
- Letter of Reprimand with Probation
- Practice Limitation
Dentists who hold a license in Arizona can face disciplinary actions by the Arizona Dental Board for many different reasons. If the Dental Board determines formal licensing action is necessary it will happen after the completion of an investigation. It’s the job of the Board to review any complaint alleging a violation of the Arizona Practice Act and Arizona law. Thus, at an Arizona Dental Board Meeting, the Board will vote to determine the outcome of each investigation, thus, defense attorneys may be needed. The Board can vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or vote to offer the dentist formal discipline.
Links of Interest
Complaints against a Dentist
Who can file a complaint against a dentist? Patients, health care facilities, and other professionals, among others. When the Arizona Dental Board receives a complaint, the Board initiates an investigation into the complaint (if the Arizona State Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed). After this happens, the dentist receives notice and the board assigns an investigator to the case. Please note, having an attorney during this step can be crucial for dentists as they must submit a response, and interview with the investigator while also possibly appearing at an Arizona Dental Board.
Responding to Practice Complaints and Investigations
After receiving an Arizona Dental Board Complaint or self-report, a dentist receives a notice from the Board requesting additional information as well as a response to allegations found in the complaint. From here, the Dental Board assigns an investigator to the complaint and they begin to collect evidence. The documents and evidence collected include:
- Patient medical records
- Employment files from the dentist’s employer and business
- Criminal records
- Interviews of people associated with the Board Complaint (These interviewees can include the patient, medical director, colleagues, etc.)
Arizona Dental Board Disciplinary Actions
When a dentist is facing a complaint or investigation by their dental board, they may also face Arizona Dental Board Disciplinary Actions. Facing disciplinary action can have vast repercussions on a medical career. This can include license probation, suspension or revocation. It can also jeopardize employment. A dentist under investigation can face termination at their current job after receiving a complaint or after the Board initiates an investigation.
There are certain allegations that can cause a dentist to receive disciplinary action. These include:
- Improper record keeping
- Reporting false information
- Negligence
- Physical abuse of patients
- Sexual abuse of patients
- Criminal convictions
- Substance Abuse
- Disruptive Conduct
Consultation with Stark Law Professional License Board Attorneys
If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Dental Board Attorney services and how to protect your license, set up a consultation with Stark Law today.