What may the Board require if a complaint is filed?

If a complaint is filed against a dental hygienist, the Board may require a personal appearance. This process allows the Board to assess the situation more thoroughly by interviewing the individual directly. A personal appearance facilitates an interactive dialogue where the hygienist can present their perspective, provide evidence, and respond to any allegations made against them.

This allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the complaint, ensuring that the Board can make informed decisions based on direct input from the relevant parties involved. A personal appearance often provides a less formal setting than a court and is typically aimed at resolving issues while also maintaining the professional standards of practice within the field of dental hygiene.

Other methods, such as formal court appearances and public hearings, tend to involve more legalistic frameworks and public scrutiny, which are generally not the immediate steps taken in response to initial complaints. A confidential meeting, while it may occur in some contexts, does not encompass the formal accountability that a personal appearance necessitates in the regulatory process.