California dental license defense lawyers
Highly Skilled Attorneys Representing California Dentists and Dental Assistants
Our experienced California dental license defense counsel protects dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists facing investigations, criminal charges, DUI, allegations, probation, and disciplinary proceedings by the Dental Board of California.
When the stakes are high, our seasoned professional license and criminal defense attorneys will aggressively defend your dentistry license, your reputation, and your career.
Dental Board of California Investigation Attorney
When the Dental Board, Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) investigator, or Deputy Attorney General contacts a dentist, registered dental assistant, or dental hygienist, it is vital to speak with an experienced Dental Board of California license defense attorney before replying. Counsel can often assist in presenting a response that results in the matter being concluded without any accusation or license action.
According to Dental Board enforcement statistics, it takes an average of 6 months from the time a complaint is lodged to the time a formal Dental Board of California allegation is filed.
Even if the charge is later dropped, formal accusations will be publicly publicized on the Dental Board website. The goal is to act rapidly in order to prevent a disciplinary hearing.
Defense for California dentist: DUI and criminal defense
Every stage of the dental license defense process, as well as any dentist criminal defense problems, is handled by our dental license defense lawyers. We assist clients in defending their rights during DCA license investigations, formal allegations, administrative actions, and Superior Court appeals.
The following are the most typical reasons for disciplinary actions by the California Dental Board:
- Reckless conduct or negligence
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Charges of dentist DUI, misdemeanor or felony offenses
- Violating the standard of care
- Fraudulent Medi-Cal billing
- Misconduct of unprofessional or sexual nature
For licensed dentists and Registered Dental Assistants whose ability to practice may be hindered due to DUI, alcohol, or drug misuse, the Board offers a confidential Diversion Program. The application provides a way to regain your license without losing it.
Don’t let a misstep cost you your job. Please contact us to learn more about your legal alternatives.
Recent California dental license legislation 2021
1. The Controlled substance prescriptions bill (AB 149)
AB 149 mandates that paper prescriptions for opioids, narcotics, sedatives, and other controlled medications be sent electronically or printed on new California controlled substance prescription forms with a 12-character serial number and barcode beginning January 1, 2021.
2. New paperless dental license renewal process
The Dental Board of California will convert to paperless dental license renewals on July 1, 2021. Completed license and permit renewals will be handled within 24 to 48 hours using the new online system.
3. Changes to dental license criminal record (AB-2138)
Effective July 1, 2020, Assembly Bill 2138 restricts the discretion and denial criteria for dental licensure, making it simpler for prospective licensees with criminal records to obtain and keep dental licenses.
4. Test requirement changes for Dental license applicant (AB 1519)
Assembly Bill 1519 went into effect on January 1, 2020, requiring all new California dental license applicants who take the WREB exam to take and pass all of the BPC 1630 skills. This improved testing evaluates diagnostic, endodontic, periodontic, prosthetic, treatment planning, and restorative dental skills.
Changes to Dental Board of California approval of foreign dental schools
The Dentistry Board of California (DBC) will no longer accept applications for international institutions seeking approval as a foreign dental school beginning January 1, 2020. Instead, foreign institutions must seek international accreditation from the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation or a similar accrediting agency approved by the DBC.
The Dentist COVID-19 vaccine administration waiver
The DCA enacted a new emergency scope-of-practice waiver on January 4, 2021, allowing dentists to give COVID-19 immunizations.
The Dental Board of California is located at 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550, Sacramento, California 95815.
(877) 729-7789 Toll free | (916) 263-2300 | (800) 344-9940 TDD
California law requires all medical professionals adhere to specific guidelines regarding their profession, including dental professionals. Before the State of California issues any dental professional license to practice dentistry in Los Angeles, they are required to make an oath to treat their patients with a standard of care in accordance with medical law. They’re required to spend years in school learning the art of dentistry, working in offices, learning, and taking exams to show they can care for their patients in that manner. If a dentist’s credentials, moral code, ethics, or work is called into question, the dentist could become the subject of a state medical board investigation. These investigations are opened anytime a complaint is filed against a dentist suggesting they are violating laws. Depending on the outcome of an investigation of this nature, a dentist might lose his or her license.
A California dental license defense attorney is the right solution for anyone in this situation. They work to provide the proper counsel, keep licenses active, and reinstate licenses that have been suspended or improperly revoked. The law is complex in California where it applies to dentistry. Dentists should have the freedom to focus on their patients rather than the law, which is where an experienced attorney is a beneficial asset.
Disciplinary Action
Patients aren’t the only people who are able to file complaints against dentists in California. Anyone who has any contact with a dentist is legally able to report any suspicions they have, and the case is immediately investigated. The most common dental complaints typically fall into several categories.
1. Gross Negligence: Any action by a dentist that puts a patient’s health or life in danger is considered negligent behavior. This is typically investigated right away, sent to the state board, and then to a state court. The people who are injured in a case of negligence usually pursue their own separate lawsuit in addition to an investigation by the state questioning the abilities of the dentist.
2. Fraud: Insurance companies, the government, and patients are able to file a complaint against a dentist if they believe a dentist is overcharging, charging for procedures they didn’t provide, or falsifying records to make a bill larger and more profitable to the dentist.
3. Alcohol or Drug Abuse: Dentists abusing drugs or alcohol on or off the job are at risk for losing their license. They might be placed on probation, required to go through mandatory rehabilitation, and their license might be suspended until they adhere to the terms of their rehab and voluntary testing following the completion of a rehab program.
4. Sexual Misconduct: Any patient who accuses a dentist of sexual misconduct in the office will be taken seriously. The matter is investigated, and it might be handled in a state or federal court depending on the severity of the case.
5. Unprofessional Conduct: This is a broad term, and it encompasses several different categories. Sharing patient information, breaking confidentiality terms, discriminating against patients for any reason, and behaving in any manner considered inappropriate by the law or the state medical board is ground for discipline.
The disciplinary actions taken by the state board vary greatly depending on the severity of a case, how many people come forward to complain, and the number of counts the dentist is guilty of committing. Discipline might include:
– Probation
– Letter of reprimand
– Citations
– Fines
– Restitution
– Jail Time
– License suspension
– License revocation
Anyone who is not in accordance with the law at all times is subject to being disciplined for their actions as a dentist. The complexity of the law makes it nearly impossible for a medical professional to understand precisely what makes them break the law, which actions seem responsible but are not, and having an experienced attorney on their side makes it far easier for dentists to keep their license, prove their case, and continue to practice in the State of California following an investigation into their personal life, practice, or medical history. An investigation is a serious deal, but it’s not a deal-breaker when it comes to keeping your license in the dental profession.