Welcome to the Dental Board of California

Complaints About Licensees

Who Can/Should File a Complaint?

A complaint should be filed by anyone who believes that a licensee of the Dental Board of California has, or is, engaged in illegal or unethical activities that are related to their professional responsibilities. Anyone may file a complaint, and the Board will review each complaint regardless of the source.

The most effective complaints are those that contain firsthand, verifiable information. While anonymous complaints will be reviewed, they may be impossible to pursue unless they contain documented evidence of the allegations made.

Everyone has the right to file a complaint free of harassment. If you are harassed by the person about whom you have complained, you should notify the Board and/or local law enforcement immediately.

How Do I File a Complaint?

All complaints MUST be in writing or on a consumer complaint form, with specific information needed to initiate a review; such as the names, addresses and phone numbers of both the complainant and the licensee.

Please explain, in your own words, the nature and facts concerning your complaint. Include as much information as possible, including any documentary evidence available. It is NOT necessary to refer to specific sections of the law that have been violated.

Should Unlicensed Practice be Reported to the Board?

If you have evidence which indicates that an unlicensed person is participating in activities for which a license is required, you should definitely report such activity to the Board. However, you should be aware that as a licensing agency the Board only has jurisdiction to take disciplinary action against its licensees. In certain circumstances, however, the Board will investigate allegations of unlicensed practice, and, if sufficient evidence is found, will forward this information to the local District Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution.

Applicants for licensure may also be engaged in unlicensed practice. In those cases, the Board will investigate and pursue appropriate administrative action.

If you have further questions regarding the complaint process, please write or call the Dental Board of California.

How Are Complaints Processed?

The Board receives thousands of complaints each year. Within 10 days after receipt of each complaint, the Board's Complaint Unit sends a written notification of receipt to the complainant. Although complaints are reviewed daily, the entire complaint review process may take an extended period of time to determine appropriate action. The Board seriously reviews each complaint to ensure consumers are protected from substandard dental care. Once the review has been completed the complainant is notified of any final action taken by the Board.

Complaints involving quality of care issues require copies of dental records for review by the Board's Dental Consultants. An authorization for release of records must be obtained from the complainant. Copies of the dental records are obtained from all providers of the dental services. All relevant information is reviewed by a Board Dental Consultant. If the Board is unable to substantiate a violation of law, the case may be closed but kept on file for a period dictated by law. If the Board is able to substantiate a violation of law, the case may be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for possible disciplinary action against the licensee.

Complaints are not disclosed to the public. However, once an accusation is filed, this document is available to the public.