Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Lynnwood dentist's license suspended
The state has suspended the license of a Lynnwood dentist, alleging that he prescribed 3,100 Oxycodone tablets for one patient in a 29-month period.
The action, announced Tuesday, was taken against George Whitehead by the state's Dental Quality Assurance Commission, which disciplines dentists. Whitehead has been licensed in Washington since 1978.
In its order to summarily or immediately suspend Whitehead's license, the commission alleged that the 3,100 doses of the narcotic were prescribed to a patient between June 2004 and November 2006.
The patient had received eight dental implants.
The commission also alleged that Whitehead was practicing even though his license had previously been suspended in February for six months, until Aug. 6.
"In order to have a summary suspension, there has to be risk of imminent danger to the public," said Taylor Stair, disciplinary manager for the Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
"Based on that level of prescription, they felt that there was an immediate danger to the public health," she said.
Whitehead's attorney, John Mellen, said he had just learned of the summary suspension Tuesday afternoon. "They can allege what they want," he said. "We can respond in the appropriate forum."
Whitehead was not given a chance to respond to the allegations before the commission took its action, Mellen said.
Additionally, Whitehead "did not practice dentistry" while his license was suspended, Mellen said. "He made no money either. He got the best person he could find to step in."
Whitehead has 20 days to decide if he wants a prompt hearing, Stair said.
If so, it will be held on Aug. 3. Otherwise, a hearing, if requested, won't be scheduled for several months, she said.
"I will investigate and file the correct response," Mellen said.
Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
The action, announced Tuesday, was taken against George Whitehead by the state's Dental Quality Assurance Commission, which disciplines dentists. Whitehead has been licensed in Washington since 1978.
In its order to summarily or immediately suspend Whitehead's license, the commission alleged that the 3,100 doses of the narcotic were prescribed to a patient between June 2004 and November 2006.
The patient had received eight dental implants.
The commission also alleged that Whitehead was practicing even though his license had previously been suspended in February for six months, until Aug. 6.
"In order to have a summary suspension, there has to be risk of imminent danger to the public," said Taylor Stair, disciplinary manager for the Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
"Based on that level of prescription, they felt that there was an immediate danger to the public health," she said.
Whitehead's attorney, John Mellen, said he had just learned of the summary suspension Tuesday afternoon. "They can allege what they want," he said. "We can respond in the appropriate forum."
Whitehead was not given a chance to respond to the allegations before the commission took its action, Mellen said.
Additionally, Whitehead "did not practice dentistry" while his license was suspended, Mellen said. "He made no money either. He got the best person he could find to step in."
Whitehead has 20 days to decide if he wants a prompt hearing, Stair said.
If so, it will be held on Aug. 3. Otherwise, a hearing, if requested, won't be scheduled for several months, she said.
"I will investigate and file the correct response," Mellen said.
Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
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