§30-4-22. Criminal offenses.

(a) When, as a result of an investigation under this article or otherwise, the board has reason to believe that a person has committed a criminal offense in violation of this article, the board may bring such information to the attention of an appropriate law-enforcement official.

(b) Any person who practices dentistry or dental hygiene in this state and (1) has never been licensed by the board under this article, (2) holds a license that has been classified by the board as expired or lapsed, or (3) holds a license that has been inactive, revoked, or suspended as a result of disciplinary action, or surrendered to the board, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned in a correctional facility for not less than one year nor more than five years, or both fined and imprisoned.

(c) Any person who holds himself or herself out as licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this State, or who uses any title, word, or abbreviation to indicate to or induce others to believe he or she is licensed to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this State, and (1) has never been licensed by the board under this article, (2) holds a license that has been classified by the board as expired or lapsed, or (3) holds a license that has been inactive, revoked, or suspended as a result of disciplinary action, or surrendered to the board, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or confined in jail not more than twelve months, or both fined and confined.