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Licensing Issues for Dentists
For dentists, a top concern is receiving their professional dentistry license and then retaining that license. Two issues that dentists may face with respect to licensing are license application and denial, as well as disciplinary matters.
License Application and Denial
Wisconsin strictly enforces the requirements set forth by law for dentist license applications. Applicants must pass the board exam and show proof of graduation from an accredited dental school. In addition, applicants must disclose certain criminal convictions if they have them. Under Wisconsin law, an applicant must report a conviction of any felony, misdemeanor, or other offense for which the circumstances substantially relate to the practice of dentistry.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services recently began allowing applicants to apply for a predetermination of whether an individual will be disqualified from obtaining a license due to his or her conviction record. If you have a conviction and wish to utilize this service, an attorney can help you decide if a conviction needs to be reported and how best to present the conviction to the department.
Disciplinary Matters
Most disciplinary matters come from complaints lodged by patients alleging some type of unprofessional conduct. While many of these complaints are dismissed, they must be investigated. The stakes are high, as a finding of unprofessional conduct can be a dark stain on one’s professional record and reputation as a dentist.
Wisconsin law contains a list of 27 types of unprofessional conduct, including:
- Engaging in any practice that constitutes a substantial danger to the health, welfare, or safety of a patient or the public.
- Practicing when unable to do so with reasonable skill and safety to patients.
- Practicing beyond the scope of one’s license or certifications.
- Practicing while the ability to perform services is impaired by a physical, mental, or emotional disorder, drugs, or alcohol.
- Administering, dispensing, prescribing, supplying, or obtaining controlled substances other than in the course of legitimate practice.
- Intentionally falsifying patient records.
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain any compensation by fraud.
- Exercising undue influence on or taking unfair advantage of a patient.
Contact a Milwaukee, WI Professional License Defense Attorney
If your license to practice dentistry is on the line, you need an attorney with a proven track record of professional license defense. The law firm Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP has represented professionals in license defense cases for over 50 years. We understand the application process as well as the procedures used to strip dentists of their licenses.
While it may be tempting to speak with an investigator in an effort to quickly bring a license issue to a close, this can often be a major mistake. You should seek the advice of a qualified Milwaukee dental license defense lawyer before answering any questions. To set up a meeting with our professional license defense team, call our office at 414-271-1440.
Sources:
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Dentist/Default.aspx
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/de/5/02
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/de/2.pdf
