Understanding the State Dental Board Complaint Process

Every state has a Board of Dental Examiners — the regulatory body responsible for licensing and disciplining dental professionals. The processes vary by state, but the fundamentals are consistent across the country.

For Patients Filing a Complaint Complaints must be submitted in writing to your state dental board. You'll need to provide details of the alleged misconduct and any supporting documentation such as records, bills, and communications. The Board will review and investigate — a process that can take several months.

For Dentists Receiving a Complaint Don't respond without understanding your rights. You will be notified and given an opportunity to respond. How you respond matters enormously. An expert witness consultant can help you frame your response around documented standard of care and clinical justifications.

What State Dental Boards Investigate Boards typically handle complaints involving: substandard care, fraud, unprofessional conduct, unlicensed practice, and drug or alcohol impairment.

Where Expert Witness Support Helps For both sides — complainant and respondent — having a credentialed dental expert review the records before the process advances can significantly strengthen your position.

Dr. Berschler is available for state dental board-related case reviews and consultations