What constitutes practicing dentistry without a valid Florida license?

Practicing dentistry without a valid Florida license is considered a felony because it poses significant risks to public health and safety. The laws surrounding dental practice are established to ensure that only qualified individuals who have met the educational and licensing requirements can perform dental procedures. A felony designation emphasizes the seriousness of these violations, as unlicensed practice can endanger patients by exposing them to substandard care, improper treatments, or health hazards.

In Florida, the legal framework clearly categorizes unlicensed practice of dentistry as a grave matter, which justifies the felony classification. This classification serves not only as a deterrent against unauthorized practice but also reflects the importance of maintaining a standard of care in dental services.

Less severe infractions, such as a minor infraction or a misdemeanor, do not capture the level of risk involved in unlicensed dental practice. A licensing violation typically refers to administrative issues that can arise despite being licensed, rather than the act of practicing without a license. Therefore, the classification of practicing dentistry without a valid license as a felony underscores the requirement for proper licensing and the potential consequences for non-compliance.