Oral Health

Information & Resources* for Children, Families and Consumers

Complaints Against Oral Health Professionals

What is Unprofessional Conduct?

The Board of Examiners in Dentistry is granted the authority to investigate and adjudicate complaints of "unprofessional conduct" by dentists and dental hygienists licensed by the Board. Examples of acts that constitute unprofessional conduct can be found in Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) 5-31.1-10 . A few examples of actions considered to be unprofessional are:

• Malpractice,
• Sexual contact between a dentist and a patient,
• Dependence upon controlled substances, and
• Incompetent, negligent or willful misconduct in the practice of dentistry.

Unprofessional conduct is not limited to the description above or to the examples as contained in RIGL 5-31.1-10 .

How is a Complaint Filed with the Board?

If you believe that a dentist or dental hygienist has acted unprofessionally you may submit a written complaint to the Board of Examiners in Dentistry. The Board requires all complaints to be in writing and signed. Letters and any supporting documents can be mailed to:

Board of Examiners in Dentistry
Three Capitol Hill, Room 104
Providence, RI 02908-5097

If you have any questions regarding the complaint process, please call the Board/Office of Health Professional Regulation during regular business hours at (401) 222-2827.

Please be assured that your name and health care information will remain strictly confidential and will be used only by the Board of Examiners in Dentistry to investigate your claim. It takes several months for the Board to investigate and determine whether a dentist or dental hygienist has acted unprofessionally regarding your care.