Disciplinary Procedures, Violations, and Enforcement
Grounds and process
The Board may discipline a hygienist for fraud in licensure, practicing beyond scope, incompetence, unprofessional conduct, infection-control violations, impairment, failure to meet CE, or criminal convictions that relate to practice. A complaint typically leads to an investigation, an opportunity to respond, and either a consent agreement or an adjudication hearing with notice and a record. Sanctions include reprimand, fine, CE, probation, suspension, or revocation.
Enforcement principles
- The Board acts administratively; criminal charges are separate.
- Summary action may occur where continued practice poses immediate risk, but the licensee gets a prompt hearing.
- Licensees must report certain adverse actions and convictions.
- Appeals go to court under Ohio administrative appeal law.
Worked example
A hygienist renews but a CE audit shows 10 deficient hours. The Board may offer a consent agreement with a civil penalty and a deadline to complete CE, or proceed to hearing. Because the deficiency is documentation-related, the likely sanction is not automatic revocation, but ignoring the notice can escalate it. The hygienist should compile certificates and respond in writing.
Traps
Do not assume a warning letter has no collateral consequence; it may be reportable. Do not keep practicing after a suspension. Do not represent a consent agreement as “no discipline.” Do not miss the appeal deadline.