When Can Dentists in Indiana Face License Discipline?

Dental professionals have a high level of responsibility when it comes to providing care for their patients. However, like any other profession, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed. In Indiana, the State Board of Dentistry regulates dental licenses, and in situations involving patient complaints or other issues, the Board may take disciplinary action such as suspending or revoking a dentist's license. While most dental professionals do their best to comply with rules put in place by the Board of Dentistry, there are a variety of issues that could lead to disciplinary action. By understanding the potential reasons for discipline to a dental license, dentists can respond to complaints or take other actions to avoid issues that could affect their ability to practice.

Common Reasons for Dental License Discipline

Investigations or disciplinary hearings conducted by the Board of Dentistry may be based on complaints from patients or other parties as well as reports to the Board that a dentist has committed certain violations or taken other actions that may warrant discipline. A license suspension, revocation, or other forms of discipline may be based on issues such as:

• Unprofessional conduct -

  Dentists must follow a strict code of ethics and professional conduct. If a dentist fails to meet these standards, their actions may be investigated, and they could be subject to multiple forms of discipline. Examples of conduct that could lead to disciplinary action include engaging in sexual relationships with patients, mistreating or neglecting patients, engaging in discriminatory behavior towards employees or patients, or practicing outside the scope of a dentist's knowledge and education.

• Fraud or misrepresentation -

  Dentists are required to be honest and truthful in their professional practice. If a dentist is found to have engaged in fraud, misrepresentation, or deception, they may face disciplinary action. Examples of actions that may warrant discipline include billing for services that were not provided, misrepresenting the benefits of a particular treatment or product, or engaging in insurance fraud. In some cases, failure to follow the proper record-keeping procedures could lead to investigations and claims of fraud, or a dentist may be accused of violating advertising regulations by using deceptive or misleading language or making improper guarantees about the outcomes of certain procedures.

• Incompetence -

  A dentist may be accused of providing improper care to patients or otherwise failing to meet the expected standards of the profession. Discipline may be based on claims that a dentist lacked the proper knowledge or skills to provide the necessary care for patients, that they have failed to keep up with current professional standards, or that they have acted in ways that have caused harm to patients.

• Substance abuse -

  The Board considers alcohol or drug abuse by a dentist to be professional misconduct. Addictions can affect a dentist's performance and their ability to provide appropriate care and treatment for their patients. If a dentist is found to be abusing drugs or alcohol, their license may be suspended or revoked, or they may be required to participate in a treatment program.

• Criminal convictions -

  Dentists who have committed criminal offenses in Indiana or other locations can face license discipline if the alleged offenses were related to the practice of dentistry or affected their ability to provide the proper care for patients. In many cases, felony convictions for offenses such as fraud or theft will lead to a license revocation. Arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also lead to a license suspension or other forms of discipline.

Contact Our Indianapolis Dental License Defense Lawyer

In Indiana, dentists are held to a high standard of professionalism. Those who are accused of violating these standards may need to respond to complaints or investigations and determine how they can avoid discipline that could affect their ability to practice. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC, our Indiana dentist license defense attorney can provide legal representation in these situations, helping defend against the loss of a dental license and minimizing the impact on a dentist's career. Contact us at 463-219-2612 to set up a free consultation and get legal help with dental license defense.

Sources:

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2021/ic/titles/025#25-14

https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/dentistry-home/