Dentist License Defense Attorney: How to Protect Your Dental Career

Your dental license and livelihood may be at risk due to a complaint or board investigation. If you’re a dentist facing a Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) investigation, hiring a trusted dentist license defense attorney is essential to protecting your career. Lype Dest Smith Lawyers have extensive experience defending dental professionals in disciplinary proceedings before the TSBDE.

In this article, we’ll cover why dentists may face disciplinary investigations, the process, and how a skilled dentist license defense attorney can help safeguard your license and future.

Why You Might Need a Dentist License Defense Attorney 

Common Reasons Dentists Face Board Investigations 

According to the TSBDE March 2025 Newsletter, a study analyzing 1,056 disciplinary actions against Texas dentists over more than 16 years revealed frequently cited issues such as:

• Recordkeeping (39%) – Missing treatment notes, incomplete medical histories, and failure to document critical information like informed consent. 
• Treatment-Related Issues (23%) – Overtreatment, failure to meet the standard of care, or physical harm (iatrogenic trauma). 
• Ethics & Professionalism (23%) – Improper billing, prescription errors, and personal conduct. 
• Diagnostic Errors (9%) – Misdiagnosis, inadequate diagnostic workups, or failure to refer patients to specialists. 
• Licensing Issues (6%) – Failure to renew licenses or comply with administrative responsibilities. 

Even minor errors, like incomplete records or a lapse in license renewal, can lead to serious investigations. 

Who Can File a Complaint Against Your Dental License? 

Anyone can file complaints, including patients, colleagues, employees, or even third-party observers. This open accountability ensures ethical practices in dentistry but also makes dental professionals vulnerable to unjustified accusations. 

What to Expect During a Dental Board Investigation 

Step-by-Step Overview of the Process 

When a complaint is filed with the TSBDE, the process typically involves several steps, each of which can impact your professional standing and future:

1. Complaint Submission – The Board first evaluates whether the filed complaint falls under its jurisdiction.
2. Preliminary Review – A review determines whether the issue requires further investigation, which may include contacting the complainant for clarification.
3. Formal Investigation – This step involves evidence collection, interviews, and a deeper analysis of the allegations, often conducted by a Board investigator with dental expertise.
4. Resolution – Based on the findings, the Board may dismiss the case, negotiate disciplinary measures, or schedule an informal conference or a formal hearing.

How the Board Evaluates Complaints 

Investigators meticulously assess whether the dentist’s actions violated the Texas Dental Practice Act. Factors like adherence to the standard of care, intent, and the severity of any misconduct play critical roles. Cooperation and providing well-documented responses can significantly impact the investigation’s outcome. 

Legal Strategies Used by Dentist License Defense Attorneys 

Early Intervention and Proactive Representation 

When an investigation is initiated, time is of the essence. Early intervention by a licensed defense attorney can shape the course of the investigation. Attorneys proactively communicate with the Board, ensuring that responses to inquiries are accurate and strategically crafted. 

Negotiating Settlements vs. Going to a Hearing 

An experienced attorney may be able to negotiate a favorable resolution, helping clients avoid prolonged administrative hearings. Resolutions can involve something minor–like completing additional continuing education–instead of severe punishment, enabling professionals to maintain their reputation and practice.

Defense attorneys are prepared to represent clients in administrative proceedings when a hearing is unavoidable. They present strong evidence to refute allegations and deny accusations.

Consequences of Not Responding to the Dental Board 

License Suspension or Revocation 

Failing to respond to Board investigations could result in the suspension or revocation of your dental license. These actions are permissible under the Texas Occupations Code. Professional negligence, unaddressed complaints, or refusal to comply with Board requests heighten the risk.

Damage to Your Reputation and Career 

Any disciplinary action, even without license revocation, may significantly affect your professional standing. Patients often hesitate to trust dentists facing such allegations, which can lead to declining referrals and significant income loss. Disciplinary actions can also impact a dentist’s ability to participate with Managed Care Organizations such as MCNA and DentaQuest.

How a Dentist License Defense Attorney Can Help You 

Case Preparation and Representation 

A skilled defense attorney compiles and organizes key evidence, ensures it meets procedural standards, and supports a strong defense strategy.

Protecting Your Rights and Professional Future 

In addition to strategy and arranging case logistics, defense attorneys guard your professional rights. They work to minimize disciplinary actions, seek case dismissal whenever possible, and guide clients through every phase of the board process to protect their practice and reputation. 

Protect Your Dental Career with Early Legal Defense 

If you’re a dentist facing a TSBDE investigation, your livelihood and reputation could be at risk. The stakes require prompt and qualified legal representation. Contact Lype Dest Smith Lawyers for a confidential consultation about your case and explore your options for defense. Call 512-881-3558 to protect your practice and career.

Dan Lype

Not afraid to go to court when necessary, Dan has successfully litigated cases all the way to the Supreme Court of Texas. Dan also prides himself on being readily available to clients throughout their cases. He strongly believes effective representation should be a collaborative effort between a client and their attorney.

Years of experience: 15 years
Justia Profile: Dan Lype
Bar number: 24065658
Location: Austin, TX