A Fort Smith, AR, orthodontist has been asked to go before the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners over allegations that offering prophylaxes might be a violation of a state law against practicing outside his specialty.
Ben Burris, DDS, MDS, said he has been summoned to a board hearing after he recently started offering dental exams for half of what other dentists in the area charge, according to an Arkansas Business story.
The board has asked Dr. Burris to explain his "practice stetting" and the fact that he employs dental hygienists, the story said.
But Dr. Burris said the board wants to make sure he's not practicing outside his specialty.
Since June, Dr. Burris has offered prophylaxes, x-rays, and exams for $98 for adults and $68 for children in the five clinics that he operates under the name Braces by Burris.
Arkansas law prohibits dental specialists from practicing outside their specialty.
Dr. Burris is licensed as both a dentist and an orthodontist. He started doing prophylaxes to make it affordable for people and to boost business, he explained.
