What happens if someone practices dentistry without a license?

Practicing dentistry without a license is considered a serious offense because it poses significant risks to public health and safety. This is why the correct response is that it is classified as a class I misdemeanor in many jurisdictions. A class I misdemeanor typically carries penalties such as fines and potential jail time, reflecting the legal system's view that unlicensed practice endangers patients who may receive substandard care.

The classification as a misdemeanor emphasizes the accountability required for anyone offering dental services. Licensing ensures that practitioners have met specific educational and professional standards necessary to provide safe and effective treatment. Therefore, operating without a license undermines these standards and poses a threat to the well-being of individuals receiving care.

While fines and warnings might be part of the responses in some instances, the classification as a misdemeanor underscores the legal consequences and the seriousness with which unlicensed practice is treated. This law exists to protect the public from unqualified individuals who might harm rather than help patients.