Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 195 - Board of Dentistry
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 195 – Board of Dentistry
Overview
Title 195 governs the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry (OBD), which regulates the practice of dentistry within the state. The Board is responsible for licensing dentists and dental hygienists, enforcing professional standards, investigating complaints, and disciplining licensees who violate laws or ethical standards.
Key Provisions of Title 195
1. Licensing and Registration
The Board issues licenses to qualified dentists and dental hygienists.
Applicants must meet educational, examination, and moral character requirements.
Licenses must be renewed periodically, with continuing education required to maintain competency.
2. Scope of Practice
Defines what constitutes the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene.
Specifies procedures, treatments, and services that licensed professionals may perform.
Addresses limitations, such as delegation of certain tasks to dental assistants under supervision.
3. Standards of Professional Conduct
Establishes ethical and professional standards for dentists and hygienists.
Prohibits fraud, negligence, incompetence, and other forms of malpractice.
Mandates maintaining patient records, confidentiality, and informed consent.
4. Disciplinary Procedures
The Board investigates complaints of professional misconduct.
Grounds for discipline include unprofessional conduct, violation of laws or rules, substance abuse, or criminal convictions related to practice.
Disciplinary actions can include reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation of license.
Licensees have rights to hearings and appeal processes.
5. Inspection and Compliance
The Board may inspect dental offices and records to ensure compliance.
Requires reporting of adverse incidents or violations.
Coordinates with other health authorities as necessary.
Explanation of How Title 195 Functions
The Board serves as the regulatory authority ensuring that only qualified individuals practice dentistry in Oklahoma.
It protects public health by enforcing standards that promote safe and ethical dental care.
By overseeing licensing, the Board ensures practitioners maintain ongoing competence.
The disciplinary system acts as a deterrent against misconduct and safeguards patients.
Transparency and due process are embedded through formal complaint investigations and hearings.
Case Law Example (Hypothetical within Oklahoma Context)
Doe v. Oklahoma Board of Dentistry (Fictitious for illustration)
Facts: A dentist’s license was suspended for failure to maintain adequate patient records and allegations of negligence. The dentist challenged the suspension as arbitrary and claimed the Board overstepped its authority.
Issue: Whether the Board acted within its statutory authority and followed proper procedures in suspending the license.
Holding: The court upheld the Board’s suspension, finding that the Board acted within its rule-making and disciplinary authority under Title 195, adhered to due process by providing notice and a hearing, and that maintaining proper records is a reasonable standard essential to patient safety.
Significance: Reinforces the Board’s authority to discipline licensees for violations of professional standards and the necessity of procedural fairness.
Summary
The Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 195 - Board of Dentistry establishes a regulatory framework for the licensing, oversight, and discipline of dental professionals in the state. It aims to protect the public by ensuring practitioners are qualified, competent, and adhere to ethical standards. The Board’s authority includes investigating misconduct and enforcing disciplinary measures consistent with due process. Case law supports the Board’s regulatory role and the legitimacy of its actions when properly conducted under the Code.
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