As the State's dental regulatory agency, the Board is responsible for protecting the public by ensuring dentists and hygienists work within the Alabama Dental Practice Act. The Board accepts and investigates complaints against dentists and hygienists.
The Board DOES NOT have jurisdiction over the following:
• Fee disputes
• Personality conflicts or rude behavior
To File a Complaint:
If you wish to file a complaint with the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, you may download a complaint form from this web page. Complaints are accepted only in writing and on the Patient/Practitioner Complaint Forms provided by the Board. All complaints are required to be notarized. All questions on the form should be answered as thoroughly and as accurately as possible, attaching any relevant documentation. Please make sure to read the "Complaint Protocol ", which can be found below under the "Complaint Protocol" link in green.

All complaints are to be filed by the person directly affected by the alleged violation(s) unless said person is a minor or a person otherwise unable to file a complaint due to mental or physical impairment.
The Process:
The Board investigates all complaints thoroughly and as expeditiously as possible. The entire process, however, can take several months, depending upon the complexity of the issues involved.
Once you file a complaint with the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, the complaint is usually sent to the dentist or hygienist and a response may be requested. Interviews may be conducted by staff investigators. With this information, a complaint review team determines if any Dental Practice violation has likely occurred. The Board then votes on the disposition of the matter. A hearing may be held and you may be asked to testify as a witness.
Action That May Be Taken By the Board:
The Board has the authority, after consideration of the evidence, to discipline the dentist or hygienist. The Board action may be in the form of a fine, reprimand, license suspension, probation or license revocation. The Board DOES NOT make a dentist refund money. Compensation for personal damages is not within the Board's authority.
Questions
If you have any further questions please contact Susan Wilhelm, Executive Director or Kevin Lane, Legal Assistant, at 205-985-7267.
Downloading Complaint Forms
Official complaint forms may be downloaded from this site using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Complaint Protocol

Download Patient Complaint  NOW
For a consumer filing a complaint against a dentist or hygienist

Download Practitioner Complaint  NOW
For a practitioner filing a complaint against another dentist or hygienist