The Robert Massa case and what it means for New Jersey dentists
Robert Massa, a dentist who practiced in New Brunswick, New Jersey, had his dental license suspended by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry. The suspension resulted from findings related to his patient care practices and record-keeping. This case is one of several that shows how state dental boards enforce standards across New Jersey and what can trigger formal action against a licensed practitioner.
Understanding real cases like Massa's helps you see how dental boards investigate complaints, what violations lead to suspension rather than warning, and what the process looks like once a board takes action. If you're researching this case because you were a patient, received care from this dentist, or are studying how professional licensing works, the details below explain the context and the board's authority.
Key Takeaways
- The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry has the power to suspend or revoke licenses when dentists violate state regulations or fail to meet professional standards.
- License suspensions are public record and appear in the board's disciplinary database, which patients and other professionals can search.
- Suspensions can result from patient care issues, record-keeping failures, infection control violations, or other breaches of the state's dental practice act.
- A suspended dentist cannot legally practice dentistry in New Jersey until the board lifts the suspension or the dentist completes required remediation steps.
- If you received care from a suspended dentist before the suspension took effect, you have options for follow-up care and complaint filing through the board.
How the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry investigates complaints
The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry receives complaints from patients, other healthcare providers, and the public about dentists' conduct or care. When a complaint is filed, the board's investigative staff reviews the allegation, requests records from the dentist's office, and may interview the patient and the dentist.
If the investigation finds evidence of a violation, the board can issue a citation, require corrective education, impose a fine, suspend the license, or revoke it entirely. A suspension is a temporary removal of the right to practice; revocation is permanent. The board publishes the outcome of disciplinary cases in its public database so that patients and other professionals can see which dentists have faced action.
What violations typically lead to suspension
Dental board suspensions in New Jersey commonly result from patient care failures, inadequate record-keeping, infection control breaches, or violations of the state's dental practice act. These might include performing procedures without proper informed consent, failing to maintain accurate patient records, not following sterilization protocols, or practicing outside the scope of a dentist's license.
Suspensions can also follow criminal convictions, substance abuse issues, or repeated complaints about the same problem. The board weighs the severity of the violation, whether it harmed a patient, and whether the dentist has a history of prior violations when deciding between a fine, suspension, or revocation.
How to search the New Jersey dental board's disciplinary records
You can look up any New Jersey dentist's disciplinary history through the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry's online database. The board maintains a searchable list of all licensed dentists and any public disciplinary actions taken against them.
To search, visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website or the State Board of Dentistry's page directly. Enter the dentist's name or license number. The results will show whether the dentist has an active license, a suspended license, or a revoked license, and will include details of any disciplinary action. This information is public record and available to anyone.
What happens if you received care before a suspension took effect
If you were a patient of a dentist before their license was suspended, the care you received does not automatically become invalid or unsafe straightforward because the suspension occurred later. However, if you have concerns about the quality of that care or believe you were harmed, you have the right to file a complaint with the board or seek a second opinion from another dentist.
You can also contact the board directly to ask whether any disciplinary findings relate to the type of care you received. If the suspension involved infection control violations or record-keeping failures, for example, you may want to follow up with another dentist to may support your treatment was appropriate. The board can advise you on next steps based on the specifics of your situation.
How a dentist can regain their license after suspension
A suspended dentist in New Jersey must follow the board's specific requirements to have the suspension lifted. These requirements vary depending on the reason for the suspension and may include completing continuing education courses, undergoing remedial training, passing a new examination, or demonstrating compliance with board standards over a set period.
Some suspensions are temporary and automatically lift after a certain time if the dentist meets the board's conditions. Others require the dentist to petition the board for reinstatement and demonstrate that the underlying problem has been corrected. The dentist bears the cost of any required education, testing, or monitoring. Until the suspension is lifted, the dentist cannot legally practice dentistry in New Jersey.
Where to file a complaint if you were harmed
If you received care from a dentist and believe you were harmed or treated improperly, you can file a formal complaint with the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry. You do not need a lawyer to file, and there is no cost to you.
Contact the board through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. You will need to describe what happened, when it happened, and how you were affected. Provide any documentation you have, such as treatment records, receipts, or correspondence with the dentist's office. The board will investigate and determine whether a violation occurred. Even if the dentist's license is already suspended, filing a complaint creates an official record and may affect whether the dentist can be reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended dentist still practice in another state?
Not automatically. Each state has its own licensing board and disciplinary records. However, most states' licensing applications ask about disciplinary action in other states, and many states share information through professional networks. A dentist suspended in New Jersey would need to disclose that suspension when explore for a license elsewhere, and the other state's board would consider it when deciding whether to grant a license.
How long does a dental license suspension usually last?
The length varies. Some suspensions last a few months; others last years. It depends on the violation, the board's order, and whether the dentist meets the conditions for reinstatement. You can check the board's disciplinary database to see whether a specific suspension has an end date listed or whether it remains active.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary; the dentist can eventually practice again if they meet the board's requirements. A revocation is permanent, and the dentist cannot practice dentistry in New Jersey again unless they go through the full licensing process from the beginning, which is rarely granted after revocation.
Do I need to report a suspended dentist to anyone else?
The board already has the case on record if the dentist was suspended. If you are concerned about patient safety or believe other patients may have been harmed, you can contact your local health department or the state attorney general's office, but the dental board is the primary authority for dentist conduct in New Jersey.
Can I sue a dentist whose license was suspended?
Yes, a board suspension does not prevent you from filing a civil lawsuit if you believe you were harmed by the dentist's care. You may want to consult a personal injury attorney who handles dental malpractice cases. The board's disciplinary findings can be used as evidence in a lawsuit, though they are separate from it.