What Happens if a Patient Accuses a Dentist of Unnecessary Procedures?

 Posted on May 27, 2026 in Dentist License Defense

When a patient accuses a dental professional of performing unnecessary procedures, it can threaten their license and reputation. You spent years building your career, your skills, and your reputation. One complaint, whether it comes from a misunderstanding, a disagreement with a second opinion, or something more serious, can put all of that at risk. If you are facing this kind of accusation in 2026, an East St. Louis, IL professional license defense lawyer can help you understand what comes next and how to protect your license.

In Illinois, a complaint about unnecessary dental procedures can trigger a formal investigation by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) under the Illinois Dental Practice Act at 225 ILCS 25. The consequences of these investigations can range from a formal reprimand all the way to losing your license to practice. Understanding how the process works and responding to it the right way are both critical.

Where Do Complaints About Unnecessary Dental Procedures Usually Come From?

Many complaints about unnecessary procedures do not come from bad intentions. They often come from situations that are more routine than they might seem.

Common sources of these complaints include:

• A patient who got a second opinion from another dentist, who suggested a different treatment

• A patient who felt they were not fully informed about why a procedure was recommended before it was done

• An insurance company that flagged a billing pattern or questioned certain treatment codes during an audit

• A patient who was unhappy with the outcome and decided, after the fact, that the procedure was not needed

• A simple misunderstanding about what was discussed during a treatment plan conversation

None of these situations automatically means you did something wrong. But each one can lead to a formal complaint that requires a real, organized response.

What Happens After a Complaint Is Filed Against a Dentist in Illinois?

Once the IDFPR receives a complaint, they review it to decide if it has enough substance to move forward. If they think it does, the case goes to an investigator. Under 225 ILCS 25/25, you have the right to legal counsel before making any statements. The investigation can move forward even if you choose not to give a statement.

The investigator may ask for your patient records, treatment notes, X-rays, billing records, and other documentation related to the patient who complained. They may also want to interview you. What you say, what you provide, and how you respond at this stage can all affect how things go from here. Getting a lawyer involved before you respond to anything is one of the most important steps you can take.

What Are the Possible Outcomes of an IDFPR Investigation?

Not every complaint leads to discipline. The IDFPR may close the case without taking action if the complaint does not hold up. But if the investigation finds enough evidence to suggest something went wrong, formal disciplinary proceedings can follow.

Possible outcomes include a formal reprimand, probation, required continuing education, a fine, a suspension of your dental license, or, in the most serious cases, full revocation of your license. How serious the outcome is depends on what the investigation finds, whether you have any prior complaints or discipline on your record, and how the case is presented at a hearing.

You have the right to a hearing before any formal discipline is imposed. You also have the right to legal representation throughout the entire process. Using both of those rights is essential.

How Do You Defend Against an Allegation of Unnecessary Dental Procedures?

Your clinical documentation is the foundation of your defense. Thorough, well-organized patient records that clearly show the clinical reasons behind every treatment recommendation are your most important tool. If your records show that you examined the patient, reviewed their X-rays, documented your findings, explained your reasoning, and got informed consent before moving forward, that tells a clear story in your favor.

A strong defense will look at whether your treatment decisions lined up with accepted standards of dental care in Illinois. It will examine whether your informed consent process was properly documented. It will review whether the complaint actually holds up when compared to your records. And if another dentist's second opinion is driving the complaint, your attorney can show that reasonable dentists often reach different conclusions about the same clinical situation.

Expert testimony from other dental professionals is also commonly used to show that your approach was clinically reasonable and within the standard of care.

What Should You Avoid Doing After a Complaint Is Filed Against Your Dental Practice?

Some mistakes can make a hard situation much worse. Knowing what to avoid matters just as much as knowing what to do.

Do not change, add to, or destroy any patient records connected to the complaint. Altering records is a serious violation on its own and can significantly hurt your defense.

Do not reach out to the patient who filed the complaint. Even a simple attempt to explain your side can be seen as intimidating and can create additional problems for you.

Do not give a written or verbal statement to the IDFPR investigator without talking to an attorney first. Even a well-meaning explanation can be used against you if it is not carefully worded.

Do not assume the complaint will go away. Even complaints that seem completely unfounded need a formal, organized response. Ignoring the process can result in a finding against you simply because you did not respond.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Dentist Defense Lawyer

Many complaints are resolved without formal discipline when they are handled the right way from the start. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., our East St. Louis, IL professional license defense attorney has over 20 years of experience with cases like yours. Do not wait to get help. Call 630-310-1267 today.