Does the Board of Dentistry have the authority to jail a dentist or hygienist?

The Board of Dentistry in Florida does not have the authority to impose jail sentences on dentists or dental hygienists. Their primary role consists of regulating the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, which includes issuing licenses, overseeing practice standards, and enforcing rules and regulations. When it comes to legal penalties, such as imprisonment, that authority typically resides with the judicial system rather than regulatory boards.

The Board can take disciplinary actions such as suspending or revoking licenses, imposing fines, or requiring additional training, but these actions do not include sentencing individuals to jail time. This clear delineation of responsibilities helps ensure that regulatory bodies focus on maintaining standards of practice while the legal system addresses criminal offenses.