Where to find the Illinois dentist license suspension list

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) maintains a public database of dentists whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or restricted. You can search this database free of charge on the IDFPR website without creating an account or providing personal information.

Go to the IDFPR's License Lookup tool at idfpr.illinois.gov, select "Dentist" from the profession dropdown, and enter the dentist's name or license number. The search will show you the current status of their license and any disciplinary actions on record, including suspensions.

The database updates regularly as the IDFPR processes disciplinary cases, but there can be a lag of several days between when a suspension takes effect and when it appears online. If you need to know the status when ready, you can call the IDFPR's Dentistry Section at 217-782-8556 during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The IDFPR License Lookup tool on idfpr.illinois.gov is the official source for checking whether an Illinois dentist's license is suspended, revoked, or restricted.
  • You can search by the dentist's name or license number and view the full disciplinary history without logging in.
  • A suspended license means the dentist cannot legally practice dentistry in Illinois until the suspension is lifted by the IDFPR.
  • If a dentist you visited had a suspended license at the time of treatment, you may have grounds to file a complaint with the IDFPR or pursue other remedies.
  • The IDFPR Dentistry Section can answer questions about a specific dentist's status by phone during business hours.

What a suspended license means for patient safety

A suspended license is a temporary prohibition on practicing dentistry. It is different from a revoked license, which is permanent. While a license is suspended, the dentist cannot legally perform any dental work, prescribe medications, or hold themselves out as a licensed dentist in Illinois.

Suspensions are issued for reasons including failure to pay disciplinary fines, failure to complete continuing education requirements, criminal convictions, substance abuse, patient harm, or violation of professional standards. The IDFPR's public record shows the reason for the suspension and the date it was imposed.

If you discover that a dentist treated you while their license was suspended, that treatment was unlicensed practice. You should report this to the IDFPR and consider consulting a lawyer about your options, as you may have grounds for a malpractice claim or restitution.

How to search the IDFPR database step by step

Step 1: Go to idfpr.illinois.gov. On the homepage, look for the "License Lookup" link. It is usually in the main navigation or under a "Search" section.

Step 2: Select your profession. Click the dropdown menu and choose "Dentist." You can also search for dental hygienists, dental therapists, or other dental professionals if needed.

Step 3: Enter the dentist's information. Type in either the dentist's full name or their IDFPR license number. The search is not case-sensitive, but spelling must be close to exact.

Step 4: Review the results. The database will display the dentist's name, license number, current status (active, suspended, revoked, or restricted), the date the license was issued, and any disciplinary actions. Click on the dentist's name to see the full record, including the reason for any suspension and the date it was imposed.

What information appears in a dentist's disciplinary record

When you pull up a dentist's record in the IDFPR database, you will see their license number, the date they were first licensed, and their current status. If there is a suspension or other disciplinary action, the record will show the date the action was taken and a brief description of the reason.

The IDFPR publishes more detailed disciplinary orders on its website. You can search for these orders by the dentist's name or case number. These orders explain what the dentist did, what rule or law they violated, and what penalty was imposed. Orders are public record and can be requested directly from the IDFPR if they are not yet posted online.

Some suspensions are temporary and have a set end date. Others remain in place until the dentist meets specific conditions — such as paying fines, completing additional training, or passing a new exam. The record will note whether the suspension is indefinite or has conditions for reinstatement.

What to do if you received treatment from a suspended dentist

If you discovered that your dentist's license was suspended at the time you received treatment, document the dates of your visits and gather any records you have — appointment confirmations, receipts, treatment notes, or billing statements. Take screenshots or print copies of the dentist's suspended status from the IDFPR database.

File a complaint with the IDFPR by submitting a written statement describing what happened, when it happened, and how it affected you. Include copies of your documentation. You can mail the complaint to the IDFPR's Dentistry Section or submit it through the online complaint form on the IDFPR website. There is no fee to file a complaint.

The IDFPR will investigate your complaint and determine whether the dentist violated the law by practicing while suspended. If they find a violation, it can result in additional disciplinary action. Separately, you may want to consult a personal injury attorney to discuss whether you have grounds for a civil claim against the dentist for damages.

Other ways to verify a dentist's license status

Beyond the IDFPR database, you can call the IDFPR Dentistry Section directly at 217-782-8556. Staff can confirm a dentist's current license status and tell you whether any disciplinary actions are on file. Have the dentist's name or license number ready when you call.

Some dental offices display their license number in the waiting room or on their website. You can use this number to search the IDFPR database directly, which is faster than searching by name. If a dentist refuses to provide their license number or status, that is a red flag.

The Better Business Bureau and online review sites sometimes mention disciplinary actions, but these sources are not official and may not be current. The IDFPR database is the only authoritative source for license status in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see why a dentist's license was suspended?

Yes. The IDFPR database shows a brief reason for the suspension. For more detail, you can request the full disciplinary order from the IDFPR or search for it on their website by the dentist's name. These orders are public record and explain the violation and the penalty in detail.

How long does a suspension usually last?

Suspension length varies. Some suspensions are lifted after a set period — for example, six months or one year. Others remain in place until the dentist meets conditions, such as paying fines or completing additional training. The IDFPR record will note the terms of the suspension.

What is the difference between a suspended license and a revoked license?

A suspended license is temporary; the dentist can eventually practice again if they meet the conditions set by the IDFPR. A revoked license is permanent and means the dentist cannot practice dentistry in Illinois again without going through a formal reinstatement process, which is rare and difficult.

Can I sue a dentist who treated me while suspended?

Possibly. Unlicensed practice is a violation of state law and may give you grounds for a malpractice or fraud claim. Consult a personal injury attorney in Illinois who handles dental malpractice to discuss your specific situation and what damages you may be able to recover.

Does the IDFPR database include dentists from other states?

No. The IDFPR database covers only dentists licensed in Illinois. If you need to check a dentist's status in another state, contact that state's dental licensing board directly. Most states have similar online lookup tools on their professional regulation websites.