Health and Fitness : Dentist alleged to be ‘harmful to the public’ ordered to remedial training

By Clark Kauffman

A Linn County dentist charged with practicing dentistry in a manner that is harmful to the public has been ordered to undergo remedial training.

Iowa Dental Board records indicate the board recently charged dentist Terra Hickey of Center Point with practicing in a manner that is harmful or detrimental to the public. Hickey has been an Iowa-licensed dentist since July 2000,

The board alleges Hickey, who works at Center Point Family Dentistry, at some unspecified time in the past failed to recognize tooth decay, failed to complete a thorough removal of decay, failed to properly place restorations, and failed to adequately inform patients of their diagnosis and treatment plans. The board adds that Hickey's failure to diagnose cavities in multiple patients resulted in tooth extractions.

Board records indicate the investigation of Hickey's practice was initiated in 2023.

The board recently agreed to resolve the case with a settlement agreement that calls for Hickey to complete a comprehensive remedial education program as well as a board-approved coarse on ethics.

In addition, Hickey's license will be placed on probation for one year, during which a sampling of Hickey's work will be reviewed by a dental-practice monitor. Hickey will also be required to pay $1,200 "for probation," according to the agreement.