On February 27, the Minnesota Board of Dentistry indefinitely suspended the license of a dental assistant who reportedly provided dental assisting treatment to patients while under the influence of alcohol.
Shelli Kaiser, who was a practicing dental assistant in the state since 1991, can petition to have the suspension removed in 12 months if she is willing to respond to the finding of facts. In December 2023, a prehearing conference and hearing on her temporary suspension was held, but she did not appear, according to a board order dated February 27.
Prior to petitioning for the suspension to be removed, she would need to submit to a substance use disorder evaluation and comply with several other conditions.
On October 3, 2023, Kaiser reported to work at a dental clinic in Champlin, MN, and reportedly provided dental assisting treatment to patients while under the influence of alcohol. On that same day, she allegedly smelled of alcohol after lunch and was seen "slumping" in her chair toward a patient during treatment. Due to her suspected impairment and unprofessional behavior, Kaiser was sent home, according to a state board order.
The next day, Kaiser came to work purportedly smelling of alcohol and she had a disheveled appearance. The manager of the dental clinic sent her home, according to the order. The board accepted the finding of facts in January and voted on the order in February.
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