New York Dental License Defense Attorney

Our New York Dental License defense lawyers dedicate a substantial part of our practice to representing  dentist in disciplinary matters and misconduct proceedings before the the State Department of Education Office of Professional Discipline (OPD).
We are extremely qualified and have successfully represented dentists in every step of disciplinary and post-disciplinary process, including the OPD interview preparation and representation, negotiations, disciplinary hearings, and license restoration proceedings.
Professional  Conduct proceedings in New York are regulated by NY Education Law. The statute list approximately 40 types of professional misconduct. A dentist found to have committed any of them is subject to disciplinary sanctions by the state. The OPD investigates all suspected professional misconduct committed by licensed professionals including dentists. An investigation may be triggered by various factors, including a criminal conviction, a patient complaint, an independent investigation conducted by another agency, etc.
If an investigation indicates that misconduct took place, the OPD will inform the dentist that he or she is under a disciplinary investigation and will request a personal interview and/or certain documentation, usually patients charts. Unless the matter is resolved informally, it will eventually proceed to a hearing, an adversarial proceeding similar to criminal trial.
When you receive the OPD interview letter, you need to understand that as a licensee, you have an obligation to comply with the OPD investigation. You could be penalized for ignoring it. However, you have no duty to speak with the investigator. In fact, we advise in most case against speaking with investigators. The problem is, you may be making damaging statements which the OPD prosecutor will use against you. by making these statements, you may compound the problem, making your case more difficult to defend. Speak to our experienced OPD attorneys immediately before contacting the investigator.
We have represented scores of dentists before the OPD, always achieving great results. We are in a better position to help you save your license and your livelihood than anyone else. Do not try to handle the case on your own – you are a dentist, not a trained defense attorney. And retaining an inexperienced lawyer is no better than trying to handle the case on your own. In many of our cases involving dentists we were able to achieve spectacular results for our clients.
If the matter is not resolved before the hearing, and the hearing results in finding of misconduct, the dentist may be subject to censure and reprimand, suspension of license, revocation of license, annulment of license or registration, limitation on registration or issuance of any further license, and a hefty fine.
In addition, the licensee may be required to undergo additional training and perform public service. If found guilty, the dentist may also loose hospital privileges and an ability to participate in certain healthcare plans.
Most professional misconduct investigations begin with a telephone call, or a letter from an investigator requesting that the physician answer questions about the alleged incident. As inviting as it may sound, the professional’s worst choice is to voluntarily submit any information or answer questions prior to consulting with an attorney.
 

New York Dental License Defense Lawyers

The result of being found guilty of professional misconduct will probably have a debilitating effect on the accused person’s dental practice and personal life. This is why it is absolutely crucial for any New York dentist  accused of professional  misconduct to contact an experienced OPD attorney immediately.
We will review the documents and advise you on the possible outcome of the case – and on the best defense position you should take.
We will prepare you for – and accompany you – to the interview if we determine that you should be speaking with the investigator. We will deal with the investigator on our own if we determine that it is in your vest interest. However, we always strive to first resolve disciplinary matters through negotiations to achieve the most favorable outcome. And we will vigorously defend you at the hearing if your case requires that.
We are one of very few New York law firms with permanent professional license defense practice. We handle a number of the OPD cases at any given time. If you are subject to the OPD investigation, contact us today!
Earning a dental license took you years and cost you substantial amount of money. Your dental practice and your livelihood depend on your licensure. A charge of professional misconduct, if not defended properly, may result in a dental license suspension, or permanently halt your ability to practice dentistry.

When Do You Need A Dental License Attorney In New York City

Dentistry in New York is controlled by several statutes and regulations, particularly Article 133 of New York Education Law. Professional misconduct of New York dentists is defined in Part 29 of Rules of the Board of Regents and section 6509 of New York Education Law.
Every dentist found to have committed professional misconduct is subject to discipline. In New York, the following are the common examples of professional misconduct:

• Being convicted of a crime
• Practicing fraudulently
• Practicing beyond the authorized scope of practice
• Practicing with gross incompetence or negligence
• Practicing while being intoxicated or impaired by alcohol, drugs, or mental disability
• Habitually using drugs
• Unlawful fee splitting
• Allowing professional duties to be performed by unauthorized persons
• Sexually or physically abusing patients
• Filing false reports
• Failing to maintain proper records
• Ordering excessive and unnecessary tests

A disciplinary process against a New York dentist may be triggered by filing of a complaint with the Regional Office of Professional Discipline (OPD) which will then investigate the complaint.

Attorney For Dentists – Criminal Matters

If a dentist is convicted of a crime or enters into certain plea agreements with the District Attorney?s Office, the state Department of Probation will notify the Department of Education of the case disposition and an investigation will be automatically initiated.

What Happens When the OPD Investigates New York Dentists

During the course of investigation, the dentist will be contacted by an OPD investigator. Although the Dental Licensee has a duty to cooperate with investigation, at this point it is absolutely crucial to consult with an attorney experienced with OPD actions before discussing the case with investigators. Any information obtained by the agency in the course of the investigation will become part of the investigative report, which is often extremely damaging to the licensee’s case and could cost you your dental license.
When contacted by an investigator concerning a misconduct matter, call our experienced New York dental license defense attorneys immediately. We will discuss the case with you and take over the handling of the matter. The same applies when you are under investigation by a law enforcement agency for any criminal activity.
Criminal conviction is in itself professional misconduct. Any information you provide will be used against you and make your defense more difficult. When approached by law enforcement investigators, insist on discussing the matter with an attorney before providing any information at all.
When a New York dentist is found guilty of committing professional misconduct, he or she will be subject to a disciplinary action that may include a reprimand, suspension, revocation, and maximum fines of up to $10,000 per charge. Medicaid, Medicare, and third-party parties such as hospitals and insurance companies may also bar participation or membership of dentists found guilty of professional misconduct or crime.
Of course, each case is different and we cannot guarantee you similar results. However, we do guarantee that in our office you will find tireless and aggressive advocates who will pursue your case until the optimal outcome is reached….with the goal of keeping your dentists license.
If you are a New York dentist under investigation for unprofessional conduct or criminal activity, call our office immediately to set up a confidential consultation with a NY Dental License Defense Attorney.