Complaint Submission Procedure
The processing of complaints submitted to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners is governed by Chapter 255, Title 3, Occupations Code, and Rules 107.00 through 107.103 of the TSBDE’s Rules.
The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) has jurisdiction over licensed dentists, dental hygienist, registered dental assistants and dental laboratories. The agency investigates complaints alleging quality of care allegations, sanitation violations, professional conduct issues and issues such as patient abandonment or failure to comply with TSBDE rules and regulations. The agency also assists local law enforcement with the investigation of practicing without a license complaints. The TSBDE does not have jurisdiction over fee disputes.
The Board may not order a licensee to pay damages or restitution to a complainant beyond the actual out of pocket expenses incurred during treatment. Restitution may only be ordered in limited circumstances and only in those instances when the treatment fell below the standard of care. Complainants seeking damages or restitution for non-standard of care violations should consult a legal professional for the appropriate venue to seek such damages.
Complaints must be submitted to the TSBDE on the Complaint Form.
Complaints may be submitted in one of the following manners:
- By email. Email complaints to complaints@tsbde.texas.gov
- By fax. Fax complaints to 512-692-2517
- By mail. Mail complaints to:
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
Attn: Investigations Division
333 Guadalupe ST
Tower 3, Suite 800
Austin, TX 78701-3942
The TSBDE DOES NOT accept anonymous complaints.
Complainants will be notified, in writing, of the case status at least quarterly. Complainants are also notified of any final action taken on their complaint.
All complaints submitted to the TSBDE must be reviewed to determine if the allegation is within the jurisdiction of the agency and if sufficient information is available to open an investigation. Accurate and complete information will expedite the complaint intake review. To assure sufficient information is submitted with your complaint, you must use the TSBDE complaint form which may be downloaded from the link above.