How a Dentist's License Gets Suspended in North Carolina
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners can suspend a dentist's license for violations of state dental law, professional conduct standards, or failure to meet continuing education requirements. A suspension is temporary — the dentist cannot legally practice dentistry in North Carolina until the board reinstates the license. This is different from a revocation, which is permanent.
Suspensions happen through a formal process. The board investigates complaints from patients, other dentists, or the public. If the investigation finds probable cause of a violation, the board issues a notice and holds a hearing where the dentist can respond. The dentist has the right to legal representation and to present evidence. If the board votes to suspend, it issues an order stating the length of the suspension and any conditions the dentist must meet to get the license back.
Common reasons for suspension include practicing without a valid license, failing to renew on time, not completing required continuing education hours, substance abuse or impairment, criminal conviction, or patient harm from negligence or misconduct. The board also suspends licenses when a dentist fails to pay court-ordered child support or owes unpaid taxes to North Carolina.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license means the dentist cannot legally practice dentistry in North Carolina until the board reinstates it, which is different from a permanent revocation.
- The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners investigates complaints and holds a hearing before issuing a suspension order.
- Common suspension reasons include practicing without a valid license, missing continuing education, substance abuse, criminal conviction, or failure to pay child support or taxes.
- A dentist can request reinstatement after meeting the conditions set by the board, which may include paying fines, completing additional education, or passing a new exam.
- Patients can check a dentist's license status on the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners website to see if it is active, suspended, or revoked.
The Investigation and Hearing Process
When the board receives a complaint, it assigns an investigator to gather facts. The investigator interviews the dentist, the person who filed the complaint, and any witnesses. The dentist receives a copy of the complaint and has the chance to respond in writing. This phase can take several months depending on the complexity of the case.
If the investigator finds probable cause that a violation occurred, the board schedules a formal hearing. The dentist receives written notice at least 10 days before the hearing date. At the hearing, both sides present evidence and witnesses. The dentist can cross-examine witnesses and present their own defense. A hearing officer or the full board listens to the case and then votes on whether to suspend, revoke, reprimand, or dismiss the complaint.
The dentist has the right to appeal the board's decision to the North Carolina Court of Appeals within 30 days of the board's order. An appeal does not automatically stop the suspension — the dentist must request a stay from the court if they want to keep practicing while the appeal is pending.
What a Suspended Dentist Must Do to Restore Their License
The board's suspension order lists the specific conditions the dentist must meet before requesting reinstatement. These conditions vary by case but commonly include paying a fine, completing additional continuing education courses, passing a clinical or written exam, undergoing substance abuse treatment or monitoring, or completing a professional conduct course.
Once the dentist has completed all conditions, they submit a written request for reinstatement to the board. The board reviews the request to confirm that all requirements were met and that the dentist is fit to practice. Some cases require another hearing before reinstatement is granted. The board then issues a new active license if it approves the reinstatement.
The timeline for reinstatement depends on the length of the suspension and how quickly the dentist completes the required conditions. A short suspension with straightforward conditions might take a few months to resolve. A longer suspension with multiple requirements can take a year or more.
How to Check If a North Carolina Dentist's License Is Suspended
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners maintains a public license lookup tool on its website. You can search by the dentist's name or license number to see the current status of their license. The lookup shows whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired.
If a license is suspended, the lookup may show the date the suspension began and sometimes the expected reinstatement date. For more detailed information about why a license was suspended, you can request the board's public records. The board publishes disciplinary orders on its website, which are public documents.
If you are a patient of a dentist whose license has been suspended, you should stop treatment when ready and find another dentist. Any dental work performed by a suspended dentist is not legal, and you may have grounds to pursue a complaint or claim against them.
Suspension vs. Other Board Actions
The board has several tools to discipline dentists, and suspension is not the most severe. A reprimand is a written warning that goes on the dentist's record but does not stop them from practicing. A probation allows the dentist to keep practicing but under conditions set by the board, such as supervision or restrictions on certain procedures. A suspension stops all practice until conditions are met. A revocation is permanent and the dentist cannot practice dentistry in North Carolina again.
The board chooses the action based on the severity of the violation, the dentist's history, and whether public safety is at risk. A first-time minor violation might result in a reprimand. A serious violation or repeated misconduct typically leads to suspension or revocation.
Reasons Suspensions Are Upheld or Overturned on Appeal
When a dentist appeals a suspension to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the court reviews whether the board had enough evidence to support its decision and whether the board followed proper procedure. The court does not retry the case or hear new evidence — it only checks whether the board's decision was reasonable based on what was presented at the hearing.
Suspensions are usually upheld if the evidence clearly showed a violation and the board followed the rules. Suspensions are sometimes overturned if the board made a procedural error, such as not giving the dentist proper notice or not allowing them to present a defense. An appeal is a lengthy process that can take a year or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a patient sue a dentist whose license is suspended?
Yes. If you received treatment from a dentist after their license was suspended, you can file a complaint with the board and may also have grounds for a civil lawsuit. You should consult a personal injury attorney about your options. The fact that the dentist was unlicensed strengthens your case.
How long does a typical suspension last?
Suspension length varies widely. Some suspensions last a few months, while others last a year or more. The board sets the length based on the severity of the violation. The suspension order will state the minimum time before the dentist can request reinstatement.
Can a dentist practice in another state while suspended in North Carolina?
A North Carolina suspension only affects that state. However, many states share disciplinary information, and other state boards may take action based on North Carolina's suspension. The dentist would need to check the rules in any other state where they hold a license.
What if I filed a complaint but the board dismissed it?
If the board finds no probable cause, it dismisses the complaint and the dentist's license remains active. You can request the board's written explanation of why it dismissed the case. You cannot appeal the board's decision to dismiss, but you can file a new complaint if you have new evidence.
Does a suspension show up on a background check?
Yes. A suspended license is a public disciplinary record. It will appear in background checks run by employers, insurers, and other organizations that search professional license databases. The suspension remains on the record even after reinstatement.