How to Find the History of My Dentist

As a patient, you have the right to know about any previous infractions against your dentist and whether he is operating under a valid license. By the same token, you also have the right to know this information about any dental assistant or dental hygienist. Finding out about your dentist requires locating your State Dental Licensing Board, which will vary from state to state, although the procedure is usually similar.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate your State Dental Licensing Board (see Resources section of this article for a listing).

• 2

  Check the database for your dentist or dental hygienist. The website should provide a list of every dentist with a license in your state, although some states (like New York) may refer you to the State Department of Education. Many states also list where dentists and dental hygienists attended school and how long they have been in practice.

• 3

  Call the State Dental Licensing Board for your state and ask if any disciplinary action has been taken against your dentist. Depending on the state, you may have to send in a written request while some states offer the information over the phone. Regardless, the information will be issued to you after you've requested it. Some states will charge you a nominal fee of less than $1 per page per requested information.

• 4

  Ask for the hotline for dental complaints or locate it on the state's website. Keep it in case you need to file a complaint against a dentist or dental hygienist.