OK Dental Jurisprudence cheat sheet

The Oklahoma Dental Practice Act is codified at Title 59, Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 328.1 through 328.53; the State Dental Board administers it.

Dentistry is defined as the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and correction of conditions of the oral cavity and adjacent structures, including performing surgery and prescribing drugs.

A person may not practice dentistry without a valid license issued by the Board; practicing without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

The Board consists of licensed dentists and public members appointed by the Governor; it adopts rules, sets fees, and disciplines licensees.

Unlicensed practice includes using titles such as 'dentist' or 'D.D.S.' without a license, and aiding an unlicensed person to practice.

The Act authorizes the Board to investigate complaints, hold hearings, and impose sanctions including revocation, suspension, probation, and fines.

Statutory grounds for discipline include fraud in licensure, unprofessional conduct, habitual intoxication, and practicing beyond the scope of a permit.

Statutes supersede Board rules; when a rule conflicts with the Act, the statute controls.

Board rules are published in the Oklahoma Administrative Code, Title 195; they implement the Dental Practice Act and have the force of law.

Rules specify infection-control requirements, including sterilization of instruments and use of barriers, and are enforced during inspections.

Continuing education rules set the number of hours, acceptable categories, and record-retention requirements for licensees.

The Board may conduct random or for-cause audits of CE records; failure to document CE can result in license suspension or nonrenewal.

Rules govern dental assistant and hygienist supervision levels, including direct and indirect supervision definitions.

The Board publishes fee schedules and renewal deadlines; late renewals incur additional fees and may require reinstatement.

Hearing procedures before the Board follow the Administrative Procedures Act, including notice and opportunity to be heard.

A rule violation can be grounds for discipline even if the underlying conduct is not independently a statutory violation.

Dental licenses in Oklahoma renew annually; the renewal period and fee are set by Board rule and must be met to continue practice.

Renewal requires attestation of continuing education completion; falsifying CE is grounds for discipline.

CE hours must be from Board-approved providers and include required subject areas such as infection control and ethics when specified.

Licensees must maintain CE certificates for a set period, typically the current renewal cycle plus a defined retention period, for audit.

Inactive or retired status may be available; practicing while inactive is unlicensed practice.

Reinstatement after expiration may require payment of lapsed fees, proof of CE, and possibly a reinstatement application and hearing.

Licensure by examination or credentials requires graduation from an accredited dental school and passing a clinical and written examination accepted by the Board.

The Board may deny licensure for prior criminal convictions, unprofessional conduct, or failure to meet qualification standards.

Dentists may perform all procedures within the definition of dentistry; expanded functions require specific training and permits.

Dental hygienists practice under supervision; the level of supervision (direct, indirect, general) is defined by Board rule and statute.

Dental assistants may perform expanded functions only after completing Board-approved training and holding a permit.

The Board issues permits for specialized practice such as sedation, anesthesia, and expanded-function dental assisting.

Prescribing controlled substances requires a valid DEA registration and compliance with Oklahoma prescription monitoring rules.

Teledentistry is permitted within the scope of practice; the standard of care and documentation requirements apply as in person.

A dentist may not delegate procedures that require the professional judgment of a dentist to unlicensed personnel.

Practicing outside the scope of a permit or supervision level is grounds for discipline and may constitute unlicensed practice.

The Board investigates complaints filed by patients, staff, or other licensees; complaints must be in writing and may be anonymous if credible.

Licensees must cooperate with Board investigations; failure to respond to a subpoena or inquiry can itself be a disciplinary violation.

Unprofessional conduct includes patient abandonment, practicing while impaired, and failing to maintain adequate records.

Mandatory reporting: licensees must report known violations such as impaired practice or unlicensed practice to the Board.

The Board may impose emergency suspension if continued practice poses an immediate threat to public health and safety.

Disciplinary actions are public record; the Board may publish names and sanctions in its newsletter or website.

Due process requires notice of charges and a hearing before the Board; appeals go to district court under the Administrative Procedures Act.

Patient confidentiality must be maintained except as required by law, such as reporting abuse or responding to a court order.