Which of the following is a common ground for disciplinary action by the Board of Dentistry?

• A. Unprofessional conduct
• B. Maintaining confidentiality
• C. Successful completion of required exams
• D. Practicing within the scope of licensure

Answer: (A)

Disciplinary actions by the Board of Dentistry are based on behavior that violates professional standards and patient safety. Unprofessional conduct covers a wide range of behaviors that undermine trust, compromise care, or break rules—things like dishonesty, neglect, inappropriate prescribing, or serious professional negligence. Because it encapsulates the kinds of actions that directly threaten patient welfare and professional integrity, it is the typical ground used to sanction a dentist.

The other options reflect what is expected or required in practice. Maintaining confidentiality is a protective obligation; doing so demonstrates proper conduct rather than serving as a basis for discipline (unless there’s a breach, which would be a separate issue). Successful completion of required exams shows qualification, and practicing within the licensed scope shows compliance with licensure rules. Those outcomes indicate standards are being met, not violated.