Authority and scope
Check the license and concern
The Board regulates dentists, dental hygienists, expanded function dental assistants, restricted faculty licensees and public health dental hygiene practitioners, including unlicensed practice. The Department of State’s Professional Compliance Office receives complaints. Name the individual and any associated establishment, explaining the care or conduct at issue.
Supporting guidance: Pennsylvania: State Board of Dentistry ↗Pennsylvania: Statement of Complaint ↗
How the official source says to file
- Use the Statement of Complaint through the linked PALS portal or the downloadable paper form. Include practitioner and establishment details, factual events, witnesses and supporting copies; retain your own copies.
- Sign and date the verification. Complete the applicable records release and its patient/signatory and witness signature/date fields. The form warns that knowingly false statements can carry criminal penalties.
- Mail the paper form to Professional Compliance Office, Department of State, PO Box 69522, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9522, or fax 717-705-2882. For form assistance, contact RA-ST-Complaints@pa.gov or 717-783-4849.
Supporting guidance: Pennsylvania: professional complaint instructions ↗Pennsylvania: Statement of Complaint ↗
What this route may not provide
The process enforces professional standards and can lead to disciplinary sanctions. The Department says it generally cannot obtain monetary restitution for a complainant. Do not assume a licensing case will settle an office bill, insurance disagreement or injury claim.
Supporting guidance: Pennsylvania: professional complaint instructions ↗
Do not guess about confidentiality
The form requests your identity and signature; anonymous acceptance was not established. Investigations are confidential and privileged, with limits on what can be shared even with you. Final discipline is public. A later voluntary impact statement is public, identifies you and is supplied to the respondent.
Supporting guidance: Pennsylvania: professional complaint instructions ↗Pennsylvania: Statement of Complaint ↗
Ask promptly; complexity affects investigation time
A filing deadline was not established by this check; ask promptly. Investigations vary with complexity. Instructions concerning an impact statement before a scheduled hearing concern that later stage, not the initial patient-complaint deadline.
Supporting guidance: Pennsylvania: professional complaint instructions ↗
What may happen after filing
Staff screen jurisdiction and possible violations. Investigators may interview witnesses and obtain records for prosecutors. Cases may close or lead to a board-approved settlement or adjudication. The complainant does not control the prosecution.
Supporting guidance: Pennsylvania: professional complaint instructions ↗
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.
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.
Pennsylvania: State Board of Dentistry ↗
Dental credential scope and enforcement role.
Source checked: September 19, 2026
Pennsylvania: professional complaint instructions ↗
PALS link, restitution limits, process and impact-statement disclosure.
Source checked: September 19, 2026
Pennsylvania: Statement of Complaint ↗
Signature, witnessed release, mail/fax and confidentiality notice.
Source checked: September 19, 2026
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.