NYC Dental License Defense Lawyers
NYC Dental License Defense Lawyers – Protecting Your Right to Practice
Getting your dental license in New York City is no easy feat. You’ve worked hard for years to gain the education, skills, and experience needed to qualify for licensure. Now that you’ve achieved this goal and built a career helping patients, the last thing you want is to lose your license due to a complaint or misconduct allegation.If your dental license is being investigated or threatened, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. Consulting with an experienced NYC dental license defense attorney as soon as possible gives you the best chance of resolving the issue favorably. Keep reading to learn why hiring a lawyer to represent you is so important.
Why Your License Is at Risk
- Patient complaints – Even if a complaint seems frivolous, the Board of Dentistry takes every grievance seriously. Common reasons for patient complaints include dissatisfaction with treatment, billing disputes, allegations of inappropriate conduct, etc.
- Substance abuse – Struggling with drug or alcohol addiction can put your license in jeopardy. The Board may intervene if there are suspicions of impairment at work.
- Fraudulent billing – Getting caught up in insurance fraud or other billing misconduct can prompt an investigation and disciplinary action.
- Criminal offenses – Things like DUI convictions, tax evasion, and other crimes may also endanger your license.
- Standard of care issues – Practicing below the accepted standard of care for the dental profession is a serious offense. Doing so could lead to discipline even without actual patient harm.
Consequences of Losing Your Dental License
- You’ll be legally prohibited from practicing dentistry or dental hygiene in New York. This means no treating patients, supervising staff, owning a practice, etc.
- All other state dental boards will be notified of your license revocation, making it difficult to practice elsewhere.
- You won’t be able to earn an income as a dentist, jeopardizing your financial security.
- Your professional reputation will suffer greatly, especially if the license issue becomes public knowledge.
- You may have to pay fines or other penalties on top of losing your license.
Why a Lawyer Is Crucial for Your Defense
Facing the Board of Dentistry without legal counsel is extremely unwise. An experienced attorney is invaluable for the following reasons:
- They understand the full disciplinary process and can guide you through it.
- They can communicate with the Board on your behalf and represent you at hearings.
- They know how to present persuasive arguments and evidence in your defense.
- They can negotiate settlements that may enable you to keep your license.
- They are objective advocates removed from the emotional turmoil you may be experiencing.
- Their involvement demonstrates to the Board that you take the complaint seriously.
How a NYC Dental License Defense Lawyer Can Help
Once you hire an attorney, they can start formulating a strategy for resolving your case as favorably as possible. Here are some of the ways a knowledgeable lawyer can help defend your license:
- Investigating the complaint – Your lawyer will thoroughly examine the allegations to identify any exaggerations, inaccuracies or weak points.
- Gathering evidence – Witness interviews, dental records requests, and expert testimonies are all ways your lawyer can collect evidence to refute the complaint.
- Negotiating with the Board – Based on the circumstances, your attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement like additional monitoring or continuing education.
- Preparing your testimony – If your case does go to a hearing, your lawyer will spend significant time preparing and rehearsing your testimony with you.
- Presenting your defense – During the hearing, your attorney will zealously argue the facts of your case to avoid license revocation.
- Appealing the decision – If the Board rules against you, appealing to a higher court is an option your lawyer can pursue.
Choosing the Right Dental License Defense Lawyer
Not all lawyers are equally equipped to defend NYC dentists and hygienists from license disputes. Look for these qualities:
- Extensive experience handling dental licensing cases in New York City.
- In-depth knowledge of the laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to your case.
- A proven track record of favorable outcomes for dentists in license disputes.
- Strong reputation for professionalism and ethical conduct.
- Engaging communication style and compassion for your situation.
- Reasonable attorney fees with flexible payment options available.