When a dental procedure does not go as planned, it is reasonable for people to be upset about it and want to seek out justice. One common question I get is whether it's appropriate for them to file a complaint with the dental board. Of course, you can file a complaint with the dental board.

If you file a complaint with the dental board it's important to know that there are some areas that the board will investigate and there are other areas that the board has no authority to investigate. Areas that the dental board can investigate are:

Improper administration of drugs
Minimum standard of care issues
Instances of fraud, misrepresentation, or deception
If a dental provider is either unlicensed or permitting his or her assistant to perform work that they are not licensed to do
Instances of impairment – if the dental provider appears to be under the effects of drugs or alcohol

While common concerns, the dental board lacks authority to investigate:

Billing issues and fee disputes
Whether a particular procedure is covered under insurance
HIPAA violations
If the doctor is rude, unprofessional, or otherwise has a bad bedside manner