What can a licensee do if dissatisfied with a disciplinary decision of the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry?

• A. They may appeal to the state legislature only.
• B. They may appeal to the state legislature, district court, Nineteenth Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge, or the Secretary of Department of Health and Hospitals.
• C. They may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• D. They may appeal to the local city court.

Answer: (B)

When a disciplinary decision from the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry is challenged, there are formal review paths built into the system. A licensee can pursue judicial review in the district courts—typically in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish—to have a court determine whether the board acted within its authority, followed proper procedures, and based its decision on substantial evidence. There is also an internal administrative path by which the decision can be reviewed by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, providing a higher-level executive review of health-board actions. Additionally, there is a route to seek review by the state legislature, offering an external check on the board’s decision. These avenues together form the recognized ways to challenge a disciplinary outcome.