Discipline, Complaint Handling, and Board Investigation Procedures
This section covers how a Nevada complaint moves from intake to investigation, hearing, and sanction.
Complaint and investigation
Nevada's Board receives complaints from patients, staff, insurers, and others. The Board screens the complaint, may request records and a response, and may authorize an investigation. The licensee must cooperate; failing to respond can itself be grounds for discipline. Investigations are confidential to the extent allowed by law, but the Board may disclose information needed to proceed.
Resolution and discipline
The Board may dismiss a complaint, issue a letter of concern, approve a settlement, or file formal charges and hold a hearing. Available sanctions include revocation, suspension, probation with conditions, fines, continuing education, practice restrictions, and payment of costs. In urgent cases the Board may seek summary suspension. The licensee is entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard. Discipline may be reported to national databases and affect licensure elsewhere.
Worked example
A patient complains that a crown was never delivered and the office stopped returning calls. The Board requests the chart and the dentist's written response. If the dentist cannot show completion, referral, or refund, the Board may find abandonment and order remediation and a refund, plus costs.
Traps
Don't ignore a Board letter or "wait it out." Don't alter records after a complaint; produce what exists and explain gaps in writing. Cooperate but get advice before signing a settlement with broad admissions.