Everett dentist suspended for splitting narcotics with patient

An Everett dentist has had his license suspended for five years after prescribing thousands of narcotic pills to a patient who then shared the tablets with him, the state Department of Health announced Wednesday.

Russell A. Clark, who has been disciplined by the state three previous times, waived his right to a hearing on the charges. The action was taken by the state Dental Quality Assurance Commission, which has the right to discipline dentists through steps such as requiring continuing education, fining them or suspending their license.

According to state documents, Clark began the practice of prescribing narcotics to a patient who was employed as a receptionist in Clark’s office in 2007.

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The patient, who is not named, filled the prescriptions at multiple pharmacies and split the medications with Clark, the state documents say.

The dental commission ruled that Clark’s actions to illegally divert prescriptions constituted unprofessional conduct.

Clark, 54, could not be reached for comment. He was first licensed as a dentist in Washington in 1992.

Although his license has been suspended for five years, the commission said that he could re-apply for his license in three years.

Even if his license is reinstated, Clark could be required to be tested for substance abuse problems or take other steps required by the commission.

This marks the fourth time the state has taken formal action against Clark.

In 1999, Clark was placed on probation for three years after the state found he provided inadequate care for patients who had oral surgery in 1996 and 1997.

In 2004, the state found that Clark failed to meet generally accepted standards in treating a patient who had 12 teeth extracted. Clark was required to take continuing education courses, was not allowed to perform tooth extractions for 12 months and was fined $7,500, state documents show.

In 2008, he was fined $10,000 for problems with record keeping and care for a patient who needed extractions, according to state documents.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.

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