Who is responsible for investigating complaints against dental professionals in Florida?

• A. The Florida Board of Dentistry conducts investigations and may hold disciplinary actions after review and due process.
• B. The Florida Department of Health conducts investigations.
• C. Local health departments handle all investigations.
• D. The State Attorney's Office handles investigations.

Answer: (C)

Disciplinary investigations of dental professionals in Florida are carried out by the Florida Board of Dentistry, which operates under the Florida Department of Health. When a complaint is filed, the board reviews the matter, conducts the investigation, and can take disciplinary actions—such as probation, fines, license suspension, or license revocation—after due process with a formal hearing if needed. Local health departments focus on community public health issues and do not handle professional licensure investigations. The Department of Health oversees licensing and broader health policy, but the investigative and disciplinary work for licensees is done by the Board of Dentistry. If criminal conduct is suspected, the State Attorney’s Office may become involved for prosecution, separate from the board’s regulatory actions.