Richmond, VA – The Virginia Board of Dentistry has denied a request to reinstate the dental license of Gary Hartman, DDS, who was previously convicted of participating in an opioid fraud scheme. The decision, reported on March 5, comes after Dr. Hartman served time for his involvement in illegally prescribing opioids and sought to resume his practice.
Dr. Hartman faced accusations of leading a scheme between 2014 and 2018 that involved prescribing opioid pills for both his personal use and the use of others. He ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute medically unnecessary oxycodone, a powerful opioid pain medication. He was initially sentenced to 100 months in prison, but served four years incarcerated, with the remainder of his sentence completed under home confinement, according to reporting from WTKR.
The Virginia Board of Dentistry initially revoked Dr. Hartman’s license in 2019. He filed for reinstatement in December 2024, presenting evidence of his commitment to recovery. His legal counsel informed the board that Dr. Hartman had actively participated in drug abuse recovery programs while incarcerated and had consistently passed drug screenings for the past three years. Despite this, the board ultimately voted against reinstating his license.
Opioid Crisis and Dental Professionals
This case highlights the broader issue of opioid prescribing practices and the role dental professionals play in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. Over-prescription of opioids has been linked to widespread addiction and overdose deaths across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 50,000 people died from opioid-involved overdoses in 2019, and while rates have fluctuated, the crisis remains a significant public health concern.
Recent investigations have revealed instances of questionable prescribing habits among dentists in Virginia. WTVR.com reported on suspensions of Virginia dentists for alleged drug activity linked to dental work, and WAVY.com detailed instances where dentists allegedly traded dental work for drugs or prescribed excessive amounts of opioids.
Hartman’s Options and Future Steps
Dr. Hartman retains the right to appeal the Virginia Board of Dentistry’s decision. The specifics of the appeal process were not immediately available. The board’s denial underscores the stringent scrutiny faced by healthcare professionals with past substance abuse issues or legal violations related to controlled substances.
The case also raises questions about the balance between offering opportunities for rehabilitation and protecting the public from potential harm. The board’s decision suggests a prioritization of public safety in this instance, despite evidence presented regarding Dr. Hartman’s recovery efforts.
This situation will likely continue to be monitored as Dr. Hartman considers his legal options and the broader conversation around opioid prescribing practices evolves within the dental profession.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional or legal expert for personalized guidance.
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