Is Your Dentist Licensed? How to Protect Yourself When Seeking Treatment
The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) and American Dental Association (ADA) are aware of “veneer technicians” offering services to the public, sometimes misrepresenting themselves as licensed dentists.
The public is urged to be cautious of these services and verify that their provider is licensed in the state of Georgia. Unsupervised dental treatment from unlicensed individuals has the potential to cause irreversible harm to patients.
Licensed Georgia dentists are committed to quality care and encourage the public to seek care from licensed dentists to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and patient safety for all oral health needs.
Q: How can I verify that my provider is a Georgia Licensed Dentist?
A: You can verify a dentist's license by checking with the Georgia Board of Dentistry website which has an online database you can access by clicking “Verify a License”. You can search by first or last name, or license number. You can also ask the dentist directly for their license information and verify it through these official channels.
Q: How can I find a Georgia Dentist near me?
Every person in Georgia is within a 35-minute drive or 29 miles of a dentist, according to current data. You can find members of the Georgia Dental Association in your community by visiting https://findadentist.ada.org/.
Q: Is it important to know if a dentist is licensed?
A: Verifying that a dentist is licensed offers assurance that they have completed the necessary education, training, and have passed the required exams to legally practice dentistry in Georgia. A licensed dentist is held to professional standards and subject to disciplinary actions if they violate ethical or legal guidelines, helping to protect your health and safety.
Q: What information should I expect to find when verifying a dentist’s license?
A: When verifying a license, you should expect to see details such as:
The dentist's full name and office address
The license number
Expiration date of the license
Any disciplinary actions or violations (if applicable)
Q: Are there any warning signs if a dentist is not licensed?
A: Yes, unlicensed providers often do unusual things. They may be reluctant to disclose their location until an appointment is booked, or a practice may fail to name a dentist on their website. They may claim that they do not practice restorative dentistry and say they only provide certain “cosmetic” services. If something about the practice feels off, patients can ask for evidence of a license. If a dentist cannot provide evidence of their license or refuses to share this information, that’s a red flag. Additionally, if they are practicing in a state without a valid license, it’s illegal for them to perform dental procedures. Always verify before going ahead with any treatment.
Q: Is there a difference between being "board-certified" and "licensed"?
A: Yes, being licensed means a dentist is legally permitted to practice dentistry in Georgia, while board certification typically indicates additional specialization and expertise in a specific area (like orthodontics, periodontics, etc.). Both are important, but licensing is a minimum requirement to practice, while board certification indicates further training.
Q: Can a dentist’s license be revoked or suspended?
A: Yes, a dentist’s license can be revoked or suspended for a variety of reasons, including unethical behavior, malpractice, substance abuse, or criminal activity.
Q: What can I do if I suspect a dentist is practicing without a license?
A: If you suspect a dentist is practicing without a license, you can report them to the Georgia Board of Dentistry. They will investigate the situation and take action, if necessary, to prevent harm to patients.
Q: How often do dentists need to renew their licenses?
A: Dentists in Georgia renew their licenses every two years. They are also required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.
Your oral health is too important to take chances. Always verify that your dentist is licensed to practice in Georgia to ensure you receive safe, professional care. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask or check with the Georgia Board of Dentistry.
