The document provides tips for licensed dental and medical professionals on responding to professional license complaints. It advises that a professional license is in jeopardy as soon as a complaint is filed, so the matter should be treated seriously. It lists 7 tips, including contacting a lawyer, notifying your insurance carrier, building your defense, and responding to the complaint in a timely manner. It encourages hiring legal counsel experienced in defending professionals in disciplinary processes.
1. PROTECT YOUR DENTAL
LICENSE, LIVELIHOOD
AND REPUTATION
HOW TO RESPOND TO PROFESSIONAL LICENSE COMPLAINTS
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
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2. Licensed dental and medical professionals are under a
great deal of pressure. You face unique challenges,
and are held to high standards.
You must take care of your patients and manage your
practice, while satisfying every requirement set by the
State Board.
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
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3. Despite how hard you work to balance your
responsibilities, you won’t be able to satisfy everyone.
In fact, you may even find yourself defending your
license in response to a patient complaint.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
4. 7 Tips
Let’s be clear…
Your professional license is in jeopardy the moment a
complaint is filed against you. It is imperative that you
treat the matter seriously. Here are 7 tips to help you
navigate the complaint process…
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
5. Tip One
Once a complaint is filed, the State Board will launch an
investigation. You will receive correspondence notifying
you of the open inquiry.
DO NOT ignore the Notice of Investigation!
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
6. Tip Two
Contact a lawyer!
I don’t advise any professional to navigate the disciplinary
process alone. Hire legal counsel that has experience
complying with State Board regulations, and defending
professionals in similar matters.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
7. Tip Three
Notify your Insurance Carrier
Does your insurance policy provide coverage for the
allegations against you? Contact your carrier, report
the incident, and request proof of any and all
coverage available to you.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
8. Tip Four
Be mindful.
When it comes to open investigations, it’s important
to note: the Board is not your friend! They have no
interest in proving your innocence. In fact, they’d
much rather prove the opposite.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
9. Tip Five
Start building your defense now.
Your lawyer will need to review all documents you have
regarding the complainant. This includes contracts, medical
records, photographs, radiographic films, and invoices for
services rendered.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
10. Tip Six
Respond to the complaint.
Regardless of how meritless you find the allegations, it’s
important that you file a timely response to the complaint.
Failure to respond can cause more harm than an actual
admission.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
11. Tip Seven
Beware of reciprocal disciplinary actions.
If you’re licensed in PA/DE but practice in another state, you
must notify the PA/DE Board of any discipline you receive in
your home state. Failure to do so can result in harsh
reciprocal punishment (i.e. license suspension, fines, etc.)
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
12. Protect your License!
No professional wants to waste time and money
responding to frivolous complaints. You’d rather be
practicing your craft. We know. However, not
responding can hurt you more.
Hire legal counsel to help you resolve the matter in your
favor.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
13. Attorney Glenn A Brown, DMD knows
firsthand the challenges licensed
dentists face balancing patient care and
State Board compliance.
In 1982, he earned his Doctor of Dental
Medicine from the University of
Pennsylvania’s School of Dental
Medicine. A year later, he became the
President and Dental Director of a
multi-specialty practice where he
managed a large team of dental
professionals for decades.
Today, Attorney Brown provides legal
representation to licensed dentists and
medical professionals in Delaware and
Pennsylvania.
Glenn A Brown, DMD, Esq.
Real World Law, PC
Former Dentist, PA/DE Lawyer
14. Legal Protection
If you’re a dentist, medical or licensed professional
under investigation in DE or PA, we can help you:
Build a defense
Respond to the complaint
Navigate the Board’s investigation
Protect your license and livelihood
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
15. Legal Protection
We assist our clients from the initial license application
process through hearings, appeals and disciplinary actions.
And we don’t stop there...
We address underlying issues that often lead to complaints,
make sure you’re aware of key rules and regulations, and
work hard to keep you in compliance with the State Board.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
16. Private Consultation
Attorney Brown has two convenient office locations
serving communities in and around Wilmington, DE
and Upper Darby, PA. Schedule a private consultation
to discuss your legal issue…
www.realworldlaw.com/consultation
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County
17. Office Locations
In Pennsylvania?
6778 Market Street
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 734-0750
Our Philadelphia office is located a block
north of Market St. Septa Station.
In Delaware?
727-B N. Market Street, Suite 4
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 225-8340
Our Delaware office is located in the heart of
Central Business District.
610-734-0750 PA
302-225-8340 DE
rwl@realworldlaw.com
www.realworldlaw.com
Real World Law, PC
Wilmington & Delaware County