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Medford dentist's license revoked By DANI DODGE Because of drug and record-keeping problems, the state Board of Dentistry has taken the rare and extreme action of revoking a dentist's license. Former Medford dentist Jeffrey Baxter plans to appeal the decision. "I'm in a battle with the board and I think I'm right and I think ultimately I will be exonerated," Baxter said. In its revocation documents, the board cited a history of inappropriately prescribing drugs for himself and patients, using another dentist's drug identification number to get drugs after his right to prescribe drugs was revoked, failing to maintain accurate drug records, and failing to document procedures in patients' records. Baxter was issued his license in 1992 and was first put on probation in 1994 for inappropriately prescribing and dispensing drugs, obtaining drugs for personal use, and failing to maintain accurate patient and drug records. There were no allegations of poor dental work or claims he mistreated patients in the disciplinary actions. Over the years Baxter was ordered into substance abuse treatment, fined a total of $15,000, required to perform community service at La Clinica del Valle and suspended. "In light of the licensee's extensive disciplinary history, which began almost immediately upon the receipt of his license to practice dentistry, the Board is convinced that he will not comply with the laws and rules governing the practice of dentistry, regardless of any lesser sanction than license revocation ..." the board wrote in its final order. His license was revoked Dec. 10. The sale of his Medford practice on McAndrews Road to Michelle Ludwick will be finalized today. Baxter, 44, of Riddle, said he was an alcoholic when he obtained his license in 1992, but got in-patient treatment for his addiction after the board ordered it in 1995. Since then he has had only one relapse 31/2 years ago, he said. That occurred when another dentist prescribed Vicodin for him after he had all his old fillings and crowns replaced, he said. Baxter contends the Board of Dentistry ought to have a board of diversion to deal with impaired dentists and recovering substance abusers. He noted doctors and nurses have a board of diversion that deals with substance abuse. He said if they had such a procedure, the board would have understood that "relapse is part of recovery." "After I relapsed, I could do nothing right with the board," Baxter said. "The board generally sees relapse as a moral issue and they were very angry." Baxter said although he did occasionally treat patients while on painkillers before his treatment in 1994, he hasn't done so since. Baxter also said the board has issues with him because he has multiple practices. In addition to his Medford office, he maintained offices in Riddle and Grants Pass. "It boils down to an issue of recovery and diversion and the right to own multiple practices," Baxter said. State Dental Director Paul Kleinstub said Baxter's contention that the revocation was related to owning multiple offices is "ridiculous." "I couldn't tell you how many multiple dental clinics there are in the state," Kleinstub said. "The board has no agenda for or against multiple dental clinics. Kleinstub said the revocation is based solely on Baxter's conduct. Baxter said he was loved by his patients. "I'm an extremely popular dentist with my patients," Baxter said. "I've been told hundreds of times 'You are the best dentist I've been to.' "This had nothing to do with quality of care or relationship with my patients." Baxter said he expects to get his license back and will practice again. He expects to re-establish in the Bend area. Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail ddodge@mailtribune.com |
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