Online News Vol. 2, Issue 1 |
Georgia Board of Dentistry |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: For the new graduates, we now have 32 on-line applications available for those applying for their first license with us. This enables some new graduates to go on-line, register, apply for licensure and pay their fees. This paperless system allows the staff to process applications much quicker to the benefit of the applicant who can receive their license and go to work much faster than in the past. We are planning more on-line applications for the near future. As we begin the year 2010, we will continue to offer more services on-line and strive to improve our processing times. For license holders, please keep your personal information up to date and accurate so our transactions with you can be faster and more accurate.
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The Georgia Board of Dentistry consists of eleven members: nine licensed dentists, one dental hygienist and one consumer member. The Board carries out its responsibility for protecting the public health in the practice of dentistry by regulating and enforcing the standards of practice. Typically, the Board meets twelve times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. Through the Dental Board's licensure process, the Board ensures that those applying for licensure in this state as a dentist or dental hygienist have acceptable education, training, and personal character to safely practice in Georgia. In carrying out its regulatory functions, the Board sets and defines standards to draw the line between safe and dangerous dental practices. The Georgia Board of Dentistry fulfills its enforcement responsibilities by identifying and sanctioning those who practice below the accepted standards of the profession, or without the necessary qualifications. The Board generally meets once each month. Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/dentistry. |
2010 Meetings: |
The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon, with the exception of meetings marked by an asterisk which will be held by teleconference. |
Board Members: Steve Holcomb, D.M.D., President |
Board Staff: Anita Martin |
Number of Active Licensees: Dentist: 5,521 |
Actions Taken by the Georgia Board of Dentistry in Board Meetings October: During the meeting, the Board accepted public consent orders from the following individuals:
The Board accepted an amended final decision on the following individual:
The Board also issued cease and desist orders for the unlicensed practice of dentistry from the following individuals:
The Board is holding a Public Forum to provide dentists interested in the proposed revisions to the Board’s Sedation Rules an opportunity to provide input concerning the proposed changes. The forum will be held on Friday, October 30, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Board office at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Ga. 31217. November: The Board voted to accept consent orders from the following licensees:
The Board voted to accept a cease and desist order for unlicensed practice from the following individual:
December: The Board voted to issue a final decision revoking the license of Dr. Gordon T. Austin of Carrollton. The Board voted to post amendments to Board Rules 150-13-.01 Conscious Sedation Permits and 150-13-.02 Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia Permits. The purpose of the rule amendments is to update the permitting and practice requirements for Georgia licensed dentists who have Conscious Sedation and/or Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia Permits. |
Information for Renewal Also, please remember that you are required to have completed continuing education credits by December 31, 2009 to be eligible to renew your license. Please see Board Rules 150-3-.09 for dentist and 150-5-.05 for hygienist on the Board’s web site at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/dentistry pertaining to the requirements for continuing education. |
License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: It is illegal to practice dentistry or dental hygiene with an expired license. How do I renew my license? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and takes these matters very seriously, applying sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Board of Dentistry Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/dentistry. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia Board of Dentistry website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-11-47 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia Board of Dentistry website. |
Georgia Board of Dentistry Complaints Process Information: The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Board of Dentistry to regulate the licensing and practice of dentistry. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-11 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules. Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-11-47 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia Board of Dentistry website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |