All dentists specialize in oral health. They are trained to help care for our teeth, gums, and mouth. But what if a dentist does something that violates the laws and regulations issued by the Board? Who can be there to help and assist dentists whenever there are complaints, accusations,s or allegations filed against them? To answer that question, a dental attorney is a solution to every dentist’s problem.
It should be considered as the first and most important way to have when faced with allegations regarding her dental practice.
On or about September 28, 2020, in Round Rock, Texas, an investigation by the Board was initiated following a complaint that the dentist was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while working at her dental office in Houston. The employees of the dentist advised her to come into the office around 2 p.m. on September 28, 2020, after having previously called to reschedule all of her morning appointments. Upon arrival, the dentist looked disheveled and was slurring her words. The dentist kept repeating herself during conversations and appeared to be generally confused. Alarmed by the dentist’s behavior, contact was made with the County Sheriff’s office. When the dentist was contacted by law enforcement at approximately 4
p.m., she had slurred speech, appeared unsteady on her feet, and had an odor of alcohol on her breath. The dentist admitted to consuming wine at approximately 9 a.m. but declined to submit to a field sobriety test or to a breathalyzer. The dentist was also observed on September 28, 2020, to have inadvertently stuck herself with a needle during the administration of an injection to a patient.
Instead of obtaining a new unadulterated needle, the dentist continued to administer the injection without replacing the contaminated needle. The dentist failed to inform the patient of the potential for exposure to blood-borne infections, which may have occurred due to her use of a contaminated needle. The dentist’s conduct could injure or put the patient at great risk of harm due to the injection of the contaminated needle.
Due to the unprofessional conduct of the dentist, the dentist is subject to disciplinary action under Code section 1670 in that the dentist used a contaminated needle on a patient and was intoxicated while at work. In addition, the dentist failed to follow infection control guidelines by continuing with the injection of the patient with a contaminated needle.
Every dentist will be given chance to defend herself/himself when such cases happen. But this dentist failed to hire a dental attorney to help her with the case.
The dentist’s lack of a dental attorney to help her with the case resulted in serious discipline and she can be put to suspension by the Board. If you’re facing the same scenario as with the dentist, consulting with a dental attorney is your best chance of protection.
The assistance of a dental attorney could have helped the case become better for the dentist. So if you ever encounter such an issue, it’s best to contact an experienced and dedicated Dental Attorney like Yong J. An at (832) 428-5679 for a confidential consultation.