Everett dentist’s license suspended over drug allegations

Published 12:01 am Saturday, May 7, 2011

The license of Everett dentist Russell Clark has been immediately suspended by the state.

Clark is not allowed to practice because of overprescribing and diversion and abuse of prescription pain medications, according to the state Dental Quality Assurance Commission, part of the state Department of Health.

Clark cannot practice in Washington until the charges are resolved. Clark has 20 days to respond to the charges and to ask for a hearing.

From 2007 until 2011, Clark engaged in substantial and prolonged abuse of controlled substances, the state alleges. State documents allege that Clark prescribed excessive amounts of controlled substances to a patient. The patient filled the prescriptions and split the substances with Clark.

Clark’s conduct either caused or contributed to the hospitalization of at least one person, according to the state.