How a Dentist Can Lose the Right to Practice
A dentist's license can be revoked — permanently taken away — when a state dental board finds that the dentist has violated the rules that govern dental practice. One of the most serious violations is treating patients after the license has already been suspended or revoked. In the Oak Brook case, a dentist continued to see patients and perform dental work even though their license was no longer valid. This is not a gray area: once a license is suspended or revoked, practicing dentistry is illegal.
When this happens, the dental board typically launches an investigation. They interview patients, review dental records, and examine what work was done and by whom. If they find that the dentist did treat patients without authorization, they can pursue additional penalties beyond the original suspension or revocation — including fines, criminal charges, or a permanent bar from ever getting a license again.
Key Takeaways
- A dentist who treats patients after their license is suspended or revoked is breaking the law, and the dental board will investigate.
- Patients who received treatment from an unlicensed dentist may have grounds to file a complaint or pursue legal action against the dentist.
- The original reason for the license suspension or revocation (such as patient harm, fraud, or substance abuse) is usually what triggers the investigation in the first place.
- State dental boards can impose additional penalties on top of the original suspension, including fines and permanent license denial.
Why Dentists Lose Their Licenses in the First Place
Before a dentist can be accused of treating patients without a license, something else has to happen first: the license gets suspended or revoked. The most common reasons include patient harm from negligence or incompetence, fraud or billing dishonesty, substance abuse or impairment, criminal convictions, and violations of patient privacy or consent rules.
A suspension is temporary — the dentist cannot practice during that time, but the license may be restored if they meet certain conditions (like completing a treatment program or paying a fine). A revocation is permanent: the license is gone, and the dentist must stop practicing when ready. Many states require the dentist to notify current patients and arrange for their records to be transferred to another provider.
What It Means to Practice Without a License
Once a license is suspended or revoked, the dentist has no legal authority to perform any dental work. This includes cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, cosmetic procedures, and even consultations where treatment is discussed. It does not matter if the dentist is highly skilled, if the patient consents, or if the work is done in a private setting — practicing without a license is illegal in every state.
The dentist may also be breaking additional laws by continuing to bill insurance companies or patients for services rendered without a license. This can lead to fraud charges on top of the license violation. Patients who paid for treatment from an unlicensed dentist may be may have access to to refunds or damages.
How Investigations Uncover Unlicensed Practice
Dental board investigations often begin when a patient files a complaint. A patient might notice poor quality work, experience complications, or discover that the dentist's license was not valid at the time of treatment. The board then requests the dentist's records, interviews the patient, and checks the official license status on the date the work was performed.
In some cases, the board discovers the violation through routine audits or when the dentist applies to renew a suspended license. If the board finds evidence that the dentist treated patients during the suspension or revocation period, they document the dates, the procedures performed, and the patients involved. This evidence can be used to pursue additional disciplinary action.
Consequences Beyond the Original Suspension
Treating patients without a license is considered a serious aggravating factor. It shows that the dentist ignored the board's order and continued to put patients at risk. Because of this, the board may impose additional penalties: substantial fines (sometimes thousands of dollars), a permanent revocation instead of a temporary suspension, criminal prosecution for practicing without a license, and a permanent bar from ever obtaining a dental license in that state or others.
Some states also allow the board to refer the case to law enforcement for criminal charges. Practicing dentistry without a license is typically a felony or misdemeanor depending on the state and the extent of the practice. A criminal conviction can result in jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing.
What Patients Should Do If They Received Treatment From an Unlicensed Dentist
If you received dental treatment from a dentist whose license was suspended or revoked at the time of treatment, you have several options. First, file a complaint with your state dental board — provide the dates of treatment, the procedures performed, and any documentation you have (receipts, records, insurance claims). The board will investigate at no cost to you.
Second, consider consulting with a lawyer about a civil lawsuit. You may be able to recover the cost of treatment, the cost of correcting any problems caused by the unlicensed dentist, and damages for pain or suffering. Third, contact your insurance company and report that the treatment was performed by an unlicensed provider — they may deny the claim and require the dentist to refund your copay or deductible.
How to Verify a Dentist's License Before Treatment
You can check whether a dentist's license is current and in good standing before you schedule an appointment. Every state maintains a public database of licensed dentists, usually on the state dental board's website. Search by the dentist's name or license number, and the database will show whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired.
If you cannot find the dentist in the database, do not schedule treatment. If the license shows as suspended or revoked, the dentist is not legally allowed to practice. Many dental offices display their license number in the waiting room or on their website — this makes it straightforward to verify before your visit. Taking two minutes to check can protect you from receiving treatment from an unlicensed provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my money back if a dentist treated me without a license?
Yes. You can file a complaint with your state dental board, which may order the dentist to refund you. You can also sue the dentist in civil court to recover the cost of treatment plus damages. Contact your state dental board first — they can tell you what options are available in your state.
What if the dentist's license was suspended but they kept treating patients?
This is illegal, just as it is when a license is revoked. A suspension means the dentist cannot practice during that period. If you received treatment during a suspension, report it to the dental board when ready with the dates and details of your treatment.
Will the dentist go to jail for treating patients without a license?
It depends on the state and the circumstances. Many states treat practicing without a license as a criminal offense, which can result in jail time, fines, or both. The dental board will refer serious cases to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.
How do I know if my dentist's license is current?
Visit your state dental board's website and search the public license database by the dentist's name or license number. The database shows whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. If you cannot find the dentist listed, do not schedule treatment.
Can a dentist ever get their license back after treating patients without one?
Treating patients without a license is a serious violation that usually results in permanent revocation. Even if the original suspension was temporary, continuing to practice during that suspension typically leads to permanent license denial. Some states may allow reinstatement only after many years and proof of rehabilitation, but this is rare.