Which type of conduct could result in the SBDE taking disciplinary action?

Disciplinary action from the State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) is often prompted by failures that compromise patient safety, quality of care, and adherence to established standards in the dental profession. When a dental assistant or hygienist fails to follow prescribed practice guidelines, it may lead to inadequate patient care, which can jeopardize patient health and violate legal and regulatory requirements.

These guidelines are in place to ensure consistent, safe, and effective dental practices. Non-compliance may result in potential harm to patients, legal repercussions, or impairment of public trust in dental professionals. The SBDE is tasked with protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the dental profession, so they take instances of neglecting these guidelines seriously.

In contrast, adhering to the standard of care for dental hygiene, being honest in financial dealings, and providing exceptional patient care generally reflect positive conduct and professional responsibility, which typically would not trigger disciplinary action from the SBDE.