California Dental License Defense Attorneys
Dental professionals are held to rigorous standards of practice in California. Even minor mistakes could result in serious consequences, including a formal investigation and review of your professional license. If you are a dentist facing an accusation or hearing, your first step should be to consult with a skilled California dental license defense lawyer who has the resources and experience to help you navigate the process and protect your license and practice.
At Century Law Group, LLP, Our license defense attorneys specialize on representing licensees and those seeking licenses in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and throughout California. From license admission or reinstatement to defense against accusations or civil lawsuits, our attorneys provide experienced, results-driven guidance and representation.
With more than 50 years of combined experience, our lawyers provide knowledgeable counsel on all matters of pharmacy admissions procedures, peer reviews and license reinstatement. We also provide counsel on maintaining an ethical practice in compliance with administrative regulations and all state and federal laws.
Dental License Admissions, Review And Reinstatement
Dentists facing disciplinary charges or civil litigation for alleged misconduct often benefit from the proactive representation provided by experienced license defense attorneys. The board may impose discipline on a licensee for errors in dental practice or suspected misconduct. If you have received a notice of investigation by the Dental Board of California or other administrative authority, we will assist you in the defense of your professional license, as well as your reputation. Common examples of misconduct investigated by the Dental Board are:
- Patient-care violations
- Alleged substance abuse
- Ethics violations & unprofessional conduct
- Prescription errors
- Insurance fraud
- Allowing a non-dental employee to work with patients
- Confidentiality violations
- Failure to comply with mandatory reporting requirements
We will focus on the relevant issues and assist you in preparing a strong defense that addresses concerns and minimizes personal liability. We have represented dental professionals in hundreds of professional license review cases before the Office of Administrative Hearings, the Dental Board of California and before state and federal courts throughout California.
Tip for protecting your license: If you have come under scrutiny, you will likely be contacted with a letter and/or telephone call from an investigator. If you have been contacted in any capacity, it is advisable for you to contact an attorney before replying in any way to the investigator or the board.
California Dental Board Investigation Process
The Dental board may conduct an investigation when they receive a patient complaint or notice from a legal authority. In the process of an investigation the board is looking to determine whether the violation is more minor or serious. In the case of a minor violation the board may close your case confidentially, issue an educational letter, issue a fine or citation, or possibly invite you to a voluntary educational review.
If the board finds a more serious violation, the case may be referred to a deputy attorney general for formal disciplinary action. That may lead to filing an accusation or in the case of an applicant, a statement of issues, which initiates a formal hearing process.
Penalties imposed at the administrative hearing stage may include a letter of reproval, probation, license suspension, an interim suspension order, surrender of your license, or license revocation. We help mitigate the risks of you losing your dental license and livelihood.
You Don’t Have to Face an Investigation Alone
An investigation can take a lot of time and attention, and you may not even think of possible defense strategies. Understanding the investigation process and your options can help you take quick action to resolve disputes and prevent negative impacts on your practice. An experienced license defense attorney can help you focus on the relevant issues and protect your rights so you can get back to work with confidence and peace of mind.
FAQs About California Dental License Defense Law
Q: What Is the Optimal Way for a Dental Team to Protect Against Legal Action?
A: The optimal way for a dental team to protect against legal action is to have a preventive plan to maintain high standards of care. When something does go wrong, be open with patients when treatment doesn’t go according to plan, fully explain the effects of what has occurred, and offer a remedy if possible. Keep clear, detailed records and follow up with patients.
Q: What Is Defensive Dentistry?
A: Defensive dentistry is deviating from standard practice in a way that seeks to avoid potential patient claims. Examples might include doing additional or unnecessary testing in the diagnosis process or referring a patient to another provider if they have a complicated or high-risk procedure with potential negative consequences. Defensive dentistry has often been criticized for prioritizing fear of complaints and litigation over patient care.
Q: What Are Common Legal Considerations in Dentistry?
A: Some common legal considerations in dentistry relate to informed patient consent that discloses the risks associated with treatment, following all regulations, including patient privacy and HIPAA compliance, and quality of care. Quality of care includes timely and effective diagnosis and treatment, appropriate prescribing and handling of medications, and professional conduct that centers on the patient and their safety.
Q: What Is the Most a Lawyer Can Take From a Settlement?
A: In California, the most a lawyer can take from a settlement depends on whether the case requires litigation or if it can be settled out of court. If the case is settled prior to filing a civil action, attorneys can take up to 25% of a settlement. If an action is filed, the attorney can take up to 33%. There may also be additional fees, such as court fees. You can discuss attorney fees during your initial consultation to ensure you and your lawyer are on the same page.
California Dental License Defense Lawyer
The legal team at Century Law Group, LLP, knows that complaints are an unfortunate and increasing part of dental practice in California. Accusations can be stressful and even frightening, especially for providers who are dealing with an investigation for the first time. The process is complex and often requires careful attention to detail in creating a defense strategy for the individual situation, and mistakes can lead to costly consequences.
Our professional license defense attorneys are advocates for dentists facing license revocation, peer review proceedings, and other legal and professional challenges. If you have been targeted by a state board investigation that threatens your license to practice, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule your free consultation before responding to the Board or jeopardizing your own case.
Whether you have received an Accusation or you are an individual who has been denied a license, we can help. Schedule an appointment to discuss your case with one of our Dental license defense attorneys in a free initial consultation.
