National Suicide Prevention:
 Dial 988  •  988lifeline.org

Some different scenarios

A dental professional…….

  • Is impaired at work
  • Receives a DWI or DUI
  • Is caught diverting prescriptions for their own use
  • Is charged with something illegal
  • Or is reported directly to the BDE by a friend, co-worker, manager, family member, etc.

Actions taken by the NC State Board of Dental Examiners

Any report of an impaired licensee will trigger an investigation by the NC State Board of Dental Examiners. Based on the findings of this investigation there are several official actions the Board may take including dismissal of the case.  However, if the evidence proves that discipline is warranted, the discipline then becomes a matter of public record and may take the form of a reprimand, consent order, or formal agency decision. In addition, the licensee will be referred to the North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals for an alcohol and/or drub abuse assessment. The assessment process begins and follows the same course as the voluntary/anonymous referral. If treatment is recommended then the individual must follow through. Upon completion of treatment the dental professional joins the NCCDP by signing an agreement tailored to their specific recovery goals.