The License Suspension and What It Means
Robert Massa, a dentist who practiced in New Brunswick, New Jersey, had his dental license suspended by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry. A license suspension means the dentist is no longer permitted to practice dentistry or hold themselves out as a licensed dentist in the state. This is different from a license revocation (permanent removal) or a voluntary surrender, though all three result in the same when ready outcome: the person cannot legally provide dental services.
The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry maintains a public record of all disciplinary actions against licensed dentists, including suspensions, revocations, and surrenders. These records are searchable and available to the public. If you received dental care from Robert Massa or are trying to understand the status of your dental records, knowing how to find this information and what your options are is important.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Massa's dental license suspension means he cannot legally practice dentistry in New Jersey or treat patients.
- The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry maintains public records of all license suspensions, which you can search online.
- If you were a patient of Robert Massa, your dental records remain your property and can be transferred to another dentist upon written request.
- Disciplinary actions by the state board are based on specific violations of dental practice laws or professional conduct standards.
- You can verify the current status of any New Jersey dentist's license through the state board's online verification system.
How to Find Public Records of the Suspension
The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry publishes disciplinary actions on its official website. You can search for dentist license status and disciplinary history through the New Jersey Professional Licensing Services (PLS) portal. This is a free, publicly available database that shows whether a license is active, suspended, revoked, or surrendered.
To search, visit the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety website and locate the Professional Licensing Services section. Enter the dentist's name and the type of license (dentist). The results will show the current status of the license and, in many cases, a summary of any disciplinary action taken. If a suspension is listed, the record may include the date the suspension began and, if applicable, the date it is scheduled to end or the conditions for reinstatement.
You can also contact the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry directly by phone or mail to request information about a specific dentist's license status. The board's contact information is available on the state's professional licensing website.
What Happens to Patient Records When a Dentist's License Is Suspended
Your dental records belong to you, not to the dentist or the dental practice. When a dentist's license is suspended, the practice may close or operate under new management, but your records do not disappear. You have the right to request copies of your dental records and have them transferred to another dentist of your choice.
To obtain your records, send a written request to the dental practice's office address or to the practice's management company. Include your full name, date of birth, and the approximate dates of your treatment. Request that records be sent to you directly or to your new dentist's office. The practice is required to respond to this request within a reasonable timeframe, typically 10 to 30 days depending on the volume of records.
If you cannot locate the practice or receive no response, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry. The board can compel the practice to release your records or help you obtain them through other means.
Understanding Why a License Suspension Occurs
The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry suspends licenses when a dentist violates professional conduct standards or dental practice laws. Common reasons include failure to maintain proper patient records, practicing without required continuing education, violations of infection control protocols, substance abuse, criminal conduct, or patient complaints substantiated through investigation.
A suspension is typically temporary, with a defined end date or conditions for reinstatement. The dentist may be required to complete additional training, pass an examination, undergo monitoring, or meet other requirements before the license is restored. Some suspensions are indefinite pending the outcome of legal proceedings or the dentist's compliance with board orders.
The specific reason for a suspension is usually documented in the board's disciplinary order, which is part of the public record. You can request a copy of this order from the board if you want to understand the details of the action taken.
What to Do If You Were a Patient of This Dentist
If you received treatment from Robert Massa before his license was suspended, your first step is to find a new dentist. Request your complete dental records from the practice when ready, as practices may close or records may become difficult to access over time. Provide your new dentist with these records so they have a full history of your dental health and any prior treatment.
If you have concerns about the quality of care you received or believe you were harmed by treatment, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry. The board investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action if violations are found. You do not need to be a lawyer to file a complaint; the board provides a complaint form on its website.
If you have outstanding bills or disputes with the practice, contact the practice management directly. If the practice has closed, you may need to contact the landlord or property manager to find out who is handling patient accounts. The state board can also provide guidance if you encounter barriers to accessing your records or resolving billing disputes.
Verifying the License Status of Your Current Dentist
To avoid similar situations in the future, you can verify that your current dentist holds an active, unrestricted license before scheduling treatment. Use the same New Jersey Professional Licensing Services portal to search any dentist's name. An active license means the dentist is currently permitted to practice and has no disciplinary restrictions.
You can also ask your dentist directly for their license number and verification status. A dentist in good standing will have no problem providing this information. Many dental offices display their license certificates in the waiting room or office, which you can photograph or note for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use dental work that Robert Massa did on my teeth?
Yes. A suspended license does not make prior treatment invalid or unsafe. If the work was done properly and is holding up well, there is no reason to replace it. However, if you have concerns about the quality or safety of the work, a new dentist can evaluate it and recommend whether replacement is necessary.
Will I get a refund if I paid for treatment before the suspension?
That depends on the circumstances and the practice's refund policy. Contact the practice directly to discuss refunds for incomplete treatment or services you paid for but did not receive. If the practice is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry or pursue a civil claim in small claims court if the amount is within that court's limits.
How long does a dental license suspension typically last?
The length of a suspension varies depending on the violation and the board's order. Some suspensions last a few months, while others may last years or be indefinite pending the dentist's compliance with specific conditions. Check the public record for the specific suspension order to see if an end date or reinstatement conditions are listed.
Can a suspended dentist practice under a different name or in another state?
No. A suspension in New Jersey applies to that individual's license in that state. However, the dentist could theoretically seek licensure in another state, though most states share disciplinary information and will consider a suspension in another state during their own review process. Each state has its own licensing board and standards.
Where do I file a complaint if I had a bad experience with this dentist?
File a complaint with the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry using their official complaint form, available on the state's professional licensing website. Include details of your treatment, dates of service, and the specific concerns you have. The board will investigate and determine whether further action is warranted.