Complaints and Investigations

The Georgia Board of Dentistry is responsible for enforcing and regulating the Georgia Dental Practice Act and the rules adopted by the Board. The Board through its Compliance and Investigations Division investigates complaints involving licensed professionals to determine if the allegations may be a violation of the law and rules governing the practice of Dentistry. All complaints are reviewed by the Investigative Committee Chairperson and management staff to determine if the complaint is within the Dental Boards jurisdiction. To contact an agent please click here and select complaints/Investigations as the subject of your message. You can also review the Georgia Dental Practice Act and Board Rules under the Laws, Rules and Policy section located here.

How to File a Complaint

To file a complaint concerning the practice of a licensee, the complaint must be submitted in writing. You can submit a compliant using the online form or by mail using the downloadable PDF form located under applications and forms click here to download the PDF Form.

When submitting your complaint, you must submit your complaint against a licensee. To find information about a licensee click here. Please include your full name, address and telephone number; the name and address of the person being reported; a detailed description of the allegation, and any other pertinent information.

The Board does accept anonymous complaints, however, there must be sufficient evidence submitted, absent the identity of the complainant, for the Board to determine whether a sanction may be warranted.
The Board only has the legal jurisdiction over an individual’s license to practice and can only discipline an individual if there is found to be a violation of the laws and rules governing practice.

Investigations

First, determination is made that the Board has authority (jurisdiction) to act on the complaint.
If the complaint is determined to be jurisdictional and a possible violation has occurred, the complaint will be referred for further investigation and a case opened and assigned to an investigator.
The investigator may or may not contact you for additional information or to request a written statement or other documents.
All investigative materials become a permanent part of the Board's investigative files and, as such, these materials are confidential and privileged by statute and may not be released except to other licensing and/or enforcement agency.

Unlicensed Practice

If a complaint is submitted regarding unlicensed practice, the complaint must include the name of the person and/or business that is practicing without a license and the address where unlicensed practice is occurring. Also, please include copies of any advertisements or other supporting documentation that you may have received regarding the unlicensed practice.
Persons who practice a regulated business or profession without a license may be ordered to cease and desist the practice and may be fined by a board.
If a cease-and-desist order is refused by the unlicensed individual, the board is required to hold a hearing on the matter.
The board may also petition the court for an injunction against further unlicensed practice.
Many licensing laws also subject unlicensed persons to criminal prosecution by local authorities. The board recommends you file a police report where services are or have been rendered.

Disciplinary Action

The board may discipline a license holder if the board determines that a violation of the board’s laws, rules and/or regulations has occurred. A licensee who violates these laws, rules and/or regulations may be subject to disciplinary action, such as a fine, reprimand, suspension or revocation of the license.

When the board seeks to sanction a license holder and the license holder does not voluntarily enter a consent agreement/order with the board, the board may be required to hold an Administrative Hearing. When cases proceed to a formal hearing, the decision is made by an administrative law judge in accordance with the Georgia Administrative Procedures Act. If a hearing is conducted, the complainant (you) may be called upon to testify, and your identity as a complainant may become known. After the formal hearing is conducted, the administrative law judge issues a ruling (Initial Decision and recommended disciplinary action). The licensee may request, or the board on its own, may seek review of the administrative law judge’s decision. After the final decision is issued, the licensee may appeal that decision to the Superior Court of Fulton County.

The disciplinary procedure is lengthy and may take months to complete. However, it is designed to ensure due process and to protect the rights of the individuals involved.

What are types of complaints that do not fall within the Board’s jurisdiction?

Rudeness or poor chair-side manner, poor customer service from dental office staff or other officer personnel.
Complaints against practitioners other than dentists and dental hygienists. Complaints against other practitioners should be directed to the appropriate licensing agency.
Complaints against dental facilities/dental labs/dental assistants/mobile dentistry or on-line dental companies. You must provide the name of the Dentist licensed in Georgia responsible for these entities.
Complaints concerning billing/insurance/refunds. (Allegations of improper billing or predatory billing will be reviewed).
Employee/Employer disputes. Complaints over wrongful termination or other employee/employer issues.

Possible Resolutions to Complaints

Close the complaint with no violation/insufficient evidence – you will be notified of this action.
Close the complaint with a letter of concern - this action is taken if there is no violation of the laws and rules governing practice but the board desires to express its concern to the practitioner surrounding the complaint. You will be notified that the complaint has been closed; however, a letter of concern is private and cannot be shared.
Close the complaint with a private consent order – the action is taken when there is a violation of the laws and rules governing practice. However, the matter is closed with a private agreement between the licensee and the board. A private consent order is private and cannot be shared.
Close the complaint with a public consent order – the action is taken when there is a violation of the laws and rules governing practice. The matter is public, and you will be notified of the Board’s decision. This information is posted on the licensees’ public license record.

TO FILE A COMPLAINT USING THE ONLINE FORM CLICK HERE