FLAGSTAFF, AZ — Arizona regulators have abruptly suspended a Flagstaff dentist’s license, alleging he used non-sterile pliers on a patient during surgery.
The Arizona Board of Dental Examiners took what it calls “emergency action” this month and suspended the license of Dr. Robert Janisse, preventing him from practicing until a hearing can be held on his license.
“If our job is to protect the public, I don't have a lot of confidence in this licensee going out and practicing,” said Dr. Anthony Herro, a dentist and president of the dental board at a recent meeting where the board voted to suspend his license pending a formal hearing.
The board launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from a former employee of Dr. Janisse’s.
The board’s report alleges Dr. Janisse had difficulty removing a patient’s implant during a November 2023 procedure. The board alleges he left the room while the patient was sedated to grab non-sterile pliers from a toolbox. He used the pliers to pull the implant out.
The board identified the patient only by his initials to protect his privacy. But the board’s report says the patient had a weakened immune system. Using a non-sterile tool in his mouth, “created the potential transfer of harmful microorganisms that could have resulted in infection or death,” the report said.
The report also alleges:
- The dentist didn’t tell the patient he used a non-sterile tool.
- The dentist left the room to retrieve the tool while the patient was sedated. The board says the “standard of care” requires a dentist who is treating a patient under IV sedation to remain with the patient and continually supervise the patient.
- There was “no clinical evidence” that removing all the patient’s lower teeth was necessary, according to the board. “Specifically, the radiographs show the majority of the teeth extracted were restorable and contained long, healthy roots and only mild bone loss,” the report said.
“He’s got 23 or 24 teeth that are savable,” said dental board member and dentist Dr. Russell Morrow at the board meeting.
Dr. Janisse was not at the board meeting where his suspension was discussed. So, ABC15 went to his Flagstaff office seeking comment. He declined an interview request but did say:
“I’m trying to get my license back. I will tell you that.”
For now, the dental board has taped a notice on the door of his Flagstaff office, notifying patients his Arizona license is suspended pending a hearing. The dental board says Dr. Janise is allowed to go into the office but can’t treat patients.
ABC15 also reached out to Dr. Janisse’s attorney seeking comment.
“This matter is ongoing and as such, I cannot comment at this time beyond indicating that we intend to seek reversal of the summary suspension,” attorney Mandi Karvis said in an email.
A hearing on Dr. Janisse’s license is scheduled for December 19.
Email ABC15 Investigator Anne Ryman at anne.ryman@abc15.com, call her at 602-685-6345, or connect on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook.
