Suspended Dentist Leaves Patients Toothless as He Fights License Suspension
Patients of a suspended Atlanta dentist are pleading for assistance, claiming they have been left with non-functional mouths while the disgraced practitioner battles to regain his professional license. Dr Justin Scott, a 44-year-old dental professional based in Atlanta, Georgia, had his permit to practice abruptly rescinded last Friday following numerous patient complaints detailing horrific experiences at his clinic.
Patient Horror Stories Emerge
Nearly a dozen patients have come forward with disturbing accounts ranging from billing irregularities to receiving substandard treatment from unlicensed medical personnel, resulting in the need for corrective procedures. Tangie Larkin and Patrick Archibald, two affected patients, reported paying thousands of dollars to Scott's Pure Dental Health practice in Buckhead only to emerge with worsened dental conditions.
'I have no teeth. I have no functional teeth. This side broke all the way off,' Larkin emotionally recounted to WSB-TV2. 'Five years later, all this money in and instead of my dream teeth I have no teeth.'
Archibald shared a similarly distressing narrative. 'I have one screw in over here; I can barely talk; my bottoms are not done at all,' he explained. 'My friends will tell you there are times I just sat there and cried and cried at night. I want my mouth fixed I want what I paid for.'
License Suspension and Legal Battle
The Georgia Board of Dentistry summarily suspended Scott's license, declaring him a threat to public safety after multiple patients reported severe health complications. According to official documents, one patient claimed dental implants provided by Scott 'ultimately failed,' with subsequent examination revealing bone necrosis at the implant site—dead tissue typically caused by infection.
Scott's legal representatives contend that the dentist responded in writing to the board's initial concerns, but the state proceeded to suspend his license without conducting a formal hearing that would have allowed him to present his defense. His attorneys have filed an emergency petition arguing the suspension was 'unlawful' and the complaints did 'not warrant emergency action.'
Practice Closure and Financial Fallout
The suspension has forced the closure of Scott's dental practice, resulting in twelve employees losing their jobs and severely damaging the dentist's professional reputation. Scott had been attempting to sell his practice for $2.1 million but has reportedly received only one offer of $300,000 since his permit was revoked.
Investigative Findings Reveal Systemic Issues
A summary inspection order obtained by investigators documented 'extensive and pervasive failures of sanitary practice, sterilization and infection control' during a September 10 examination of Scott's facilities. The alleged violations included:
- Improper sterilization techniques and inadequate record-keeping
- Failure to maintain essential maintenance logs
- Use of expired medical supplies
- Improper instrument storage methods
- An ineffective eyewash station
- Presence of an animal on the premises
The order further accuses Scott of engaging in 'deceitful and/or misleading billing and treatment planning.' In one documented case, a patient received a written treatment plan and invoice specifying 'maxillary and mandibular treatment' for a total fee of $20,000. After signing and paying the full amount, the patient was informed the plan was not intended to include the lower arch, with the practice claiming the documentation contained errors.
Contrasting Lifestyle and Professional Background
While his patients suffer, Scott appeared to be posting images from Puerto Rico to his Instagram Stories just last week. His social media profiles showcase extensive global travels, portraying a globe-trotting lifestyle that starkly contrasts with the professional allegations against him.
According to his Pure Dental Health biography, Scott began working at his father's dental office in 1997 while attending the University of South Alabama, later completing his education at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry.
The Georgia Board of Dentistry concluded that continued use of Scott's dental license 'poses a threat to the public health, safety and welfare and imperatively requires emergency action.' As the legal battle continues, affected patients remain desperate for resolution and functional dental care.
