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Auditor Galloway releases Missouri Dental Board audit report

Audit finds improvements needed to protect confidential information, improve licensing review process

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (Nov. 17, 2015) Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of the Missouri Dental Board, which is responsible for the examination, licensing and regulation of dentists, dental hygienists and dental specialists. The audit identified issues with how complaints received by the board are addressed, specifically when corrective action is necessary.

“As with any health care related profession, Missourians expect that dentists are properly licensed and regulated, and that matters of concern are taken seriously by the state,” Auditor Galloway said. “We identified concerns regarding the process for addressing complaints against licensees, and recommend the Missouri Dental Board strengthen its procedures in order to meet its responsibility to protect the public.”

Among the audit findings, auditors found an instance in which the board identified seven dentists at the same office who did not have the required basic life support certification, and three dental assistants who were performing duties for which they did not have the proper permit. Although the board did send a letter of concern to the office, no corrective action was ordered and no evidence was received to indicate the dentists ever came into compliance.

Auditors also found the board had not established adequate procedures to protect against data security risks by ensuring only proper personnel have access to computer systems containing confidential licensee information. Auditors found that an employee terminated more than five years ago still had an active user account, and 11 temporary user accounts were still active, despite not being used for at least the past two years.

The board is overseen by the Division of Professional Registration within the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. This audit report gives the board a performance rating of “good.” The complete report is available here.