Can a Dentist Face Discipline After a Serious Patient Injury?

 Posted on September 07, 2026 in Dentist License Defense

A dentist in Illinois can face discipline after a serious patient injury, but a bad outcome alone does not prove wrongdoing. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation can take disciplinary action if it finds one or more grounds listed in the Illinois Dental Practice Act.

Illinois dentists can face a licensing investigation and, separately, a civil malpractice claim after a patient injury. If you are a dentist facing a complaint after a patient injury in 2026, our East St. Louis, IL dentist license defense lawyer can help you understand what comes next.

What Counts as Grounds for Dental License Discipline in Illinois?

Under 225 ILCS 25/23, the Illinois Dental Practice Act lets the Department refuse, suspend, revoke, or otherwise discipline a dental license. This can happen for reasons tied to patient care, such as gross negligence, a pattern of incompetence, or conduct that puts a patient's health or safety at risk. A single mistake does not always meet this bar. The board looks at one main question. Was the dentist using reasonable professional judgment, or did they clearly depart from accepted standards?

How Does a Patient Injury Turn Into a Dental Licensing Complaint?

Most licensing investigations start with a report. The injury itself does not automatically trigger a case. Common sources of a complaint include:

• A report filed directly by the patient or a family member
• A report from a hospital or another provider who treated the patient afterward
• A malpractice lawsuit or settlement that gets reported to the state
• A referral from an insurance company reviewing a claim

Once a complaint reaches the Department, it can open an investigation even if no lawsuit has been filed yet.

What Happens During a Dental Board Investigation?

An investigation usually starts with a records request. The dentist may also be asked to give a written response. From there, the case can close with no action, be addressed through an informal conference or consent order, or move to a formal hearing.

Requests for Records and Statements

Investigators will usually ask for the patient's full chart, x-rays, and any notes on informed consent. What a dentist says in an early written response can shape the rest of the case. This is why it helps to get guidance before responding.

Formal Hearings

If the Department believes discipline is needed, the case may move to a formal disciplinary hearing under the Illinois Dental Practice Act. The hearing may involve the Dental Board or a hearing officer designated by the Department. This process can include witnesses, expert testimony, and cross-examination.

Can a Dentist Keep Practicing During a Dental Board Investigation?

A dentist can usually keep practicing while a complaint is under review. The exception is when the Department believes there is an immediate danger to public health. That can lead to an emergency suspension. Full suspension or revocation usually only happens after a formal hearing, not just because a complaint was filed.

What Should a Dentist Do After Being Notified of a Dental Board Complaint?

The way a dentist responds in the first few weeks can shape how the case turns out. Keep these steps in mind:

• Do not alter or add to the patient's chart after the fact.
• Avoid discussing the case with colleagues or on social media.
• Respond to any Department request within the deadline given.
• Get guidance before submitting a written statement or attending an interview.

Handling these early steps carefully can keep a manageable situation from turning into a bigger disciplinary case.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Rockford, IL Dentist License Defense Attorney

A licensing complaint can put years of hard work at risk. That is why it helps to have someone in your corner who understands both the clinical and legal sides of these cases. Attorney Joseph Bogdan is a registered pharmacist as well as an attorney. He has served as an expert witness in numerous pharmaceutical cases, including matters involving controlled substances. With more than 20 years of experience, he brings a rare mix of scientific background and courtroom skill to license defense cases.

If you are a dentist facing a complaint or investigation, talk with our East St. Louis, IL professional license defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. as soon as possible. Call 630-310-1267 to discuss the details of your case.