How a dentist's license gets suspended in North Carolina
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners can suspend a dentist's license through a formal disciplinary process. A suspension means the dentist cannot legally practice dentistry in the state until the board lifts the suspension or the dentist completes required conditions. This is different from a revocation, which is permanent.
Suspensions typically result from complaints filed with the board by patients, other healthcare providers, or the public. The board investigates these complaints and holds a hearing if it finds probable cause that a violation occurred. Common reasons for suspension include patient harm, substance abuse, criminal convictions, failure to maintain proper records, practicing without a current license, or violating board rules about infection control and patient safety.
The board publishes all disciplinary actions on its public website, so you can search for any dentist's status before scheduling an appointment. This transparency allows patients to make informed decisions about their dental care.
Key Takeaways
- The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners investigates complaints and holds hearings before suspending a license.
- A suspended dentist cannot legally practice dentistry in North Carolina until the suspension is lifted or conditions are met.
- You can search the board's public database to check whether a dentist's license is active, suspended, or revoked.
- Suspension reasons are documented in the board's disciplinary orders, which are public record and available online.
- If you received treatment from a suspended dentist, you may have options to report the incident or seek recourse through the board.
Finding out if a specific dentist has a suspended license
Visit the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners website and use the license verification tool. You can search by the dentist's name or license number. The search results show the current status of the license—whether it is active, suspended, revoked, or inactive—along with the date the status changed.
If the license shows as suspended, the board's website typically includes a link to the disciplinary order. This document explains what violation occurred, when the suspension began, and what conditions the dentist must meet to have the license reinstated. Some orders specify a set suspension period; others require the dentist to complete specific steps before reapplying.
If you cannot find the information online or have questions about what the status means, you can contact the board directly by phone or email. Staff can explain the details of a disciplinary action and answer questions about whether a dentist is currently allowed to practice.
What to do if you received treatment from a suspended dentist
If you discovered that your dentist's license was suspended during the time you received treatment, contact the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners to report the incident. The board takes seriously any dentist who practiced without a valid license and will investigate. You can file a complaint online through the board's website or by mail.
In your complaint, include the dates you received treatment, the type of treatment, and the dentist's name and office location. Explain that you were unaware the license was suspended at the time. The board will review your complaint and may open a separate investigation into the dentist's conduct.
If the treatment caused you harm or you incurred costs because of the suspended dentist's work, you may also have grounds for a civil claim. Consider consulting a dentist to evaluate whether the treatment was substandard and documenting any resulting dental problems. An attorney who handles professional liability cases can advise you on whether you have a claim and what damages you might recover.
Understanding the difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. The dentist's license is inactive for a set period or until specific conditions are met, but the license itself is not permanently canceled. Once the suspension period ends or the dentist completes the required steps—such as additional training, passing an exam, or completing a substance abuse program—the dentist can petition to have the license reinstated.
A revocation is permanent. The board cancels the license entirely, and the dentist cannot practice dentistry in North Carolina again unless the board later decides to reinstate the license, which is rare. Revocations typically follow the most serious violations, such as repeated harm to patients, criminal convictions, or gross negligence.
The disciplinary order will clearly state whether the action is a suspension or revocation. If you see a suspended license, the dentist may eventually be allowed to practice again. If you see a revoked license, that dentist cannot legally practice dentistry in the state.
How the board's disciplinary process works
When the board receives a complaint, it assigns an investigator to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The investigator prepares a report and submits it to the board's enforcement committee. If the committee finds probable cause that a violation occurred, it notifies the dentist and schedules a formal hearing.
At the hearing, both the board's staff and the dentist (usually represented by an attorney) present evidence and arguments. The dentist has the right to cross-examine witnesses and present a defense. After the hearing, the board issues a written decision that explains what violations were proven and what penalty is imposed.
The dentist can appeal the board's decision to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. During an appeal, the court reviews whether the board followed proper procedures and whether the evidence supports the findings. This process can take several months to over a year, so a license may remain suspended during the appeal.
Checking the board's public disciplinary records
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners maintains a searchable database of all disciplinary actions taken against dentists. This includes suspensions, revocations, reprimands, and fines. The database is free to search and requires no login or personal information.
Each disciplinary record includes the dentist's name, license number, the date of the action, a summary of the violation, and a link to the full disciplinary order. The full order contains details about the evidence presented, the board's findings, and the specific penalty imposed. These records are public and remain accessible even after a suspension ends or a license is reinstated.
You can also request copies of disciplinary records directly from the board if you need them for legal proceedings or personal records. The board charges a small fee for copies and typically provides them within a few business days.
What happens to a suspended dentist's patients
When a dentist's license is suspended, the dentist must stop providing dental services when ready. Patients with ongoing treatment should be notified and given the opportunity to transfer their records to another dentist. The board may require the suspended dentist to notify patients in writing and provide them with copies of their dental records at no charge.
If you were in the middle of treatment when your dentist's license was suspended, contact another dentist as soon as possible. Bring your records from the suspended dentist so the new dentist can review what work was done and what still needs to be completed. If the suspended dentist's work was defective or caused harm, the new dentist can document this and help you understand your options.
Some dental insurance plans cover emergency care or treatment by another dentist if your regular dentist becomes unavailable. Check your plan's terms or contact your insurance company to see what coverage is available while you transition to a new dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended dentist still own a dental practice?
No. A suspended dentist cannot legally practice dentistry or supervise dental care in North Carolina. However, the dentist may still own the business entity. The practice must be managed by another licensed dentist or dental professional. If the suspended dentist attempts to practice or control patient care, the board can pursue additional enforcement action.
How long does a typical suspension last?
The length varies depending on the violation and the board's decision. Some suspensions last a few months; others last one or more years. The disciplinary order specifies the suspension period or the conditions the dentist must meet to have the license reinstated. You can find this information in the board's public disciplinary record.
Can I sue a dentist for practicing while suspended?
Yes. If a dentist treated you while suspended and caused harm, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit. You would need to prove that the dentist was suspended at the time, that you received treatment, and that the treatment caused you injury or financial loss. An attorney who handles dental malpractice cases can evaluate your situation and advise you on whether you have a claim.
What if I think a dentist should be reported to the board?
You can file a complaint with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners online, by mail, or by phone. Describe what happened, when it occurred, and the dentist's name and office location. The board will investigate and determine whether a violation occurred. You do not need to be a patient of the dentist to file a complaint.
Does a suspended license show up on background checks?
Yes. A suspended or revoked dental license is a matter of public record and will appear on background checks that include professional license verification. Employers, credentialing organizations, and other entities that verify licenses will see the suspension status.