Your professional license stands as the culmination of years of rigorous study and a testament to your commitment to patient care. However, if a patient files a complaint with the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners, your entire career is at risk.
Understanding the board’s jurisdiction
In Alaska, the board holds broad authority to discipline, suspend or revoke your license if they find you guilty of professional misconduct. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Using fraud to obtain a license
- Practicing while impaired by controlled substances or alcohol
- Allowing dental hygienists or assistants to perform outside their legal scope of practice
- Engaging in deceitful billing practices
An investigation phase will only start when the complaint involves at least one of these acts.
Facing a complaint with mindfulness
Once an investigator confirms that a complaint falls under the board’s jurisdiction, you will receive a notification through a letter, phone call or in-person visit. However, an investigation may occur without notice if the board determines that prior notice would impede the process.
Your actions in this period can significantly affect the status of your license. While you need to respond to a notice, answering it by yourself can put you at risk of making mistakes. Additionally, if an investigator speaks with you, understand that anything you say can be used against you.
Protecting your license with help
When your livelihood is on the line, using a trial-and-error approach can be dangerous. Early intervention is vital, but this requires legal precision. If you are facing a complaint, seeking guidance from an attorney can help in building a defense strategy for keeping your professional license.