Filing Complaints

The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry regulates the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene in Louisiana. The board can discipline a licensed dentist or hygienist who violates the law. The board does not have jurisdiction over fees, personality conflicts, rude behavior, or the scheduling of appointments. The public should also be aware that the Board is not a court and does not have the ability to order a licensee to pay compensation to a patient; the requiring of compensation is the exclusive right of courts in Louisiana. The standard for the Board to take action against a licensee when the allegation is that the licensee engaged in practice that is below the standard of care is that the Board must be able to show by clear and convincing evidence that the dentist is a danger to the public. In a court, it must only be shown more likely than not the dentist or hygienist was negligent for the court to order compensation.

It should also be noted that the Board does not license practices; it only licenses individuals. Because of this an individual licensee, rather than a practice, must be named in a complaint in order for the Board to review the complaint.

The Louisiana Dental Association has a Peer Review process. That process is confidential and available provided the complaint falls within peer review guidelines. For more information about this process and its guidelines, contact the LDA Peer Review at 225.926.1986.

To lodge a complaint against a licensee, please download the form below, fill it out, and then return it to our office.

File A Complaint