Complaints are reviewed during a preliminary investigative process to determine if the TSBDE has jurisdiction over the allegation and the individual against whom the complaint has been submitted (Respondent). Complaints found to be outside the TSBDE’s jurisdiction, or complaints that contain insufficient information to determine jurisdiction or insufficient information about the allegation may be dismissed during the preliminary investigation period.
Complaints found to have allegations generally within the jurisdiction of the TSBDE but lacking sufficient information to proceed to a full investigation may be designated as “Jurisdictional: Not Filed” and closed.
Complaints found to be outside the TSBDE’s jurisdiction will be designated “Non-Jurisdictional” and will be dismissed.
Complaints found to be within the jurisdiction of the TSBDE that also contain sufficient information to proceed to a full investigation are designated as “Jurisdictional: Filed” and are reviewed by the Dental Director and/or the Director of Investigations to determine the proper course of an investigation.
Jurisdictional: Filed complaints are assigned to investigative staff to conduct a thorough investigation. During this investigative phase, evidence such as patient records, billing records and other pertinent documents are gathered, interviews of involved parties are conducted, and any other necessary investigative steps are taken to verify whether any violations have occurred.
Any allegation involving patient treatment (standard of care) will be reviewed by the Dental Review Panel to determine if a standard of care violation occurred.
All violations identified during the course of an investigation are presented to the TSBDE Legal Division to determine if evidence is sufficient to proceed with disciplinary action.
Complaint investigations which result in insufficient evidence of a violation of TSBDE Rules or Regulations will be dismissed.
Minor non-patient care related violations may be resolved by the issuance of an Administrative Penalty.
Formal disciplinary actions such as Board orders or Remedial Plans are voted upon by the Board and formalized by a Board Order. Board Meetings are held approximately once every quarter
