Dental License Defense in Louisiana — From the Attorney Who Prosecutes Cases for the State Board of Dentistry
When the Board opens a file on you, you need someone who has sat on the other side of that table — not someone reading the statutes for the first time.
I am Peyton B. Burkhalter. I serve as disciplinary counsel to the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, which means I build the cases that result in suspensions, probation, and revocations. I know the process from the inside — what investigators look for, how complaints are evaluated, and which cases move toward quiet resolution versus a public hearing. If the Board is investigating you, that knowledge is now working in your favor.
What Happens After a Dental Board Complaint Is Filed
Most dentists receive a complaint letter and have no idea what comes next. Here is how the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry process typically unfolds.
1. Complaint Receipt and Initial Review
The Board receives a complaint — from a patient, a staff member, another licensee, or a mandatory reporter — and determines whether it falls within the Board's jurisdiction and warrants investigation.
2. Investigation
The Board's investigative staff gathers records, correspondence, and any other relevant documentation. In some cases, an expert reviewer is brought in to evaluate the clinical standard of care. This phase is where the record that will be used against you is assembled.
3. Informal Conference or Consent Order Negotiation
Many cases are resolved before a formal hearing through an informal conference or a negotiated consent agreement. This is where the range of outcomes — a letter of concern, probation, conditions on your license, or a confidential resolution — is most often determined.
4. Formal Hearing
If the matter is not resolved informally, it proceeds to a formal adjudicatory hearing before the Board. The outcome at this stage can include suspension or revocation of your license, and the record becomes public.
5. Final Order and Appeal Rights
The Board issues a final order. Depending on the outcome, you may have the right to appeal to district court. The window to act is narrow and the procedural requirements are strict.
The earlier you have counsel involved, the more options remain available. Representation during the investigation phase — before an informal conference is scheduled — gives you the best chance at a resolution that does not follow you publicly.
Your Name in the Public Record Is Not Inevitable
One of the first fears I hear from dentists who contact me is that a complaint will become public and damage their reputation before anything is even decided. That fear is understandable, and it is not unfounded — a formal hearing is a public proceeding, and the Board's disciplinary records are publicly searchable.
But a formal hearing is not the only path. The Board has confidential resolution mechanisms, and cases that are handled correctly during the investigation and informal stages frequently never reach a public proceeding. I know which cases are candidates for that path and how to position a response that keeps it available.
If you have already received a complaint letter, the time to act is now — before the record hardens.
Why Dentists Facing the Louisiana Board Hire Me
I am not a general practice attorney who handles licensing matters occasionally. Dental license defense in Louisiana is one of the most specific representations a lawyer can offer, and my position as disciplinary counsel to the Board makes my knowledge of this process direct and current — not secondhand.
- I prosecute cases for the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. I know how investigations are structured, what evidence the Board finds compelling, and where cases are most often won or lost.
- I have 31 years of trial and litigation experience. If a formal hearing cannot be avoided, I am prepared to defend you through it.
- I am a solo practitioner. The attorney you speak with is the attorney who handles your case — not a junior associate who will be brought up to speed on your file.
- My practice is built almost entirely on referrals. Dentists and other professionals come to me because someone they trust sent them.
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
The Louisiana Dental Board is investigating me. What should I do first?
Do not respond to the Board without counsel. Anything you submit becomes part of the record and can be used in a formal proceeding. Contact an attorney who knows this Board's process before you put anything in writing. The earlier representation begins, the more options remain open.Can a dentist keep their license after a complaint is filed?
Yes — and the majority of cases do not result in revocation. The outcome depends heavily on the nature of the complaint, the quality of the dentist's response, and whether the matter can be resolved before a formal hearing. Early, well-prepared representation significantly improves the odds of a favorable resolution.Will this complaint become part of the public record?
Not necessarily. Cases resolved through informal conference or confidential consent agreement are not subject to the same public disclosure as formal hearing decisions. Whether that path is available depends on the facts of the case and how the response is handled. I can assess that for you in an initial consultation.What is the difference between probation and suspension?
Probation allows you to continue practicing under specified conditions — additional continuing education, supervision requirements, or restrictions on certain procedures. Suspension removes your ability to practice for a defined period. Both are reportable to the National Practitioner Data Bank; a letter of concern and some confidential resolutions are not. The distinction matters significantly for your malpractice coverage and hospital privileges.Do I need a Louisiana-licensed attorney for a dental board matter?
Yes. The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry operates under Louisiana administrative law, and proceedings before the Board are governed by Louisiana statutes and rules. You need someone licensed in Louisiana who knows this Board specifically — not a general licensing attorney from another state.How quickly do I need to respond after receiving a complaint letter?
The Board's complaint letter will specify a response deadline. Missing it can result in a default finding or waiver of certain rights. Do not wait. Call me as soon as you receive any communication from the Board.