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Massachusetts · Dental

Board of Registration in Dentistry / Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

Complaint instructions checked against the linked sources, with limitations and known conflicts. Confirm that the authority covers your concern.

Authority and scope

Check the license and concern

The Board licenses dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants, including limited and faculty dental licenses. It investigates professional complaints and also issues anesthesia permits. BHPL's Office of Public Protection receives the complaint; identify the person's dental credential and the conduct involved.

Supporting guidance: Massachusetts: Board of Registration in Dentistry

Choose the right licensing authority

BHPL online complaint portal

Dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants regulated by the Board of Registration in Dentistry; follow the linked portal's declarations.

Open this official route ↗
Submission

How the official source says to file

  • Use the linked online portal. Prepare a separate submission for each professional or facility, with names, license numbers, dates, locations, witnesses and supporting copies.
  • The portal includes electronic records authorization. You cannot return to a complaint after submitting it. Ask for a paper form at 617-973-0865 or bhplcomplaints@mass.gov if needed.
  • For concerns involving an office name, list the treating individuals and explain each person's role. Describe actual treatment, explanations and consent discussions rather than inferring misconduct from the practice's ownership.

Supporting guidance: Massachusetts: BHPL complaint instructions

Limits

What this route may not provide

BHPL excludes ordinary fee and billing disputes and personality conflicts unless they amount to unprofessional conduct. It can pursue license sanctions. Do not assume a complaint will obtain a refund or compensation.

Supporting guidance: Massachusetts: BHPL complaint instructions

Anonymity

Do not guess about confidentiality

Anonymous complaints may be investigated when sufficient independent evidence exists without your identity or testimony. Investigation can be limited without that evidence. The professional may receive your complaint and be asked to respond; do not assume identity is hidden from the subject.

Supporting guidance: Massachusetts: BHPL complaint instructions

Complaint timing

Ask promptly; no dental filing deadline verified

A dental filing deadline was not established by this check; ask promptly. BHPL describes review taking a month and disciplinary proceedings potentially taking up to three years. These are processing estimates.

Supporting guidance: Massachusetts: BHPL complaint instructions

Process

What may happen after filing

BHPL may close the matter, investigate further or pursue a formal complaint. Outcomes include nondisciplinary measures and license sanctions. Identified complainants receive outcome notices.

Supporting guidance: Massachusetts: BHPL complaint instructions

Evidence

Prepare a reviewable submission

State the concern you want reviewed, give a short chronology and factual consequences, and explain your request. Keep supporting records and follow the receiving authority’s instructions before attaching or sending them.

Read the linked authority and process information ↗

Sources and scope

Some agency-linked forms and destinations could not be read. Source-check dates apply to the material listed below; they do not establish that every linked portal was inspected or a complaint submitted.

Source check: September 19, 2026. This records a review of the linked material, not a decision about your case. No clinical or legal reviewer is identified for this guide. Confirm current instructions with the receiving authority.

A state authority is one checkpoint—not the entire accountability system.

Compare the available routes →