Dentist’s License Restored After Intoxication Conviction
Earlier this year, Dr. Paymun Bayati was arrested at Anamosa State Penitentiary in December 2023 after prison staff reported he appeared intoxicated while providing dental care to inmates. At the time, Dr. Bayati was facing criminal charges, a public intoxication conviction, and the emergency suspension of his dental license. His career appeared to be in serious jeopardy.
However, recently, the local dental board has reinstated Dr. Bayati’s license. This outcome serves as a powerful reminder that a professional license accusation – even one involving a criminal conviction – does not have to mean the end of your career.
The LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team has helped dentists across the country navigate accusations of violating their professional license. The will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best possible defense for your case. Contact our offices today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.
Losing Your License Temporarily
According to police records, penitentiary staff reported an impaired person attempting to drive away from the facility. Witnesses, including a dental assistant and nursing administrator, testified that Dr. Bayati was swaying, had slurred speech, smelled of alcohol, struggled to handle dental instruments, and had just completed a root canal on a patient. A breathalyzer test reportedly showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.158 – nearly double the legal driving limit, and an empty flask was found in his vehicle.
Dr. Bayati was convicted of public intoxication in April 2024. The Dental Board subsequently suspended his license on an emergency basis, alleging he posed an imminent threat to the public. He eventually agreed to voluntarily surrender his license for at least one year.
Throughout it all, Dr. Bayati maintained that he does not drink and believed someone tampered with his coffee that morning by adding isopropyl alcohol.
Getting Your License Reinstated
In December 2024, just six months after his suspension took effect, Dr. Bayati petitioned for early reinstatement. The board initially indicated it intended to deny that request, but Dr. Bayati exercised his right to a hearing. During the hearing, he presented a substance abuse evaluation that found no diagnosis of alcohol use disorder and did not recommend treatment. He also demonstrated that he is already subject to substance-use monitoring through his commercial pilot’s license and commercial driver’s license.
Ultimately, the board concluded that Dr. Bayati had demonstrated it was in the public’s best interest to have his license reinstated, subject to conditions including enrollment in a monitoring program.
How the LLF National Law Firm Can Help
There are a number of reasons why a dentist’s professional license can become jeopardized, including substance use, criminal charges, or any other allegation. However, Dr. Bayati’s case illustrates several critical lessons for professionals accused of violating their license.
A conviction is not the end of the road. Even with a criminal conviction and deeply unfavorable facts, Dr. Bayati was able to secure reinstatement of his license. Licensing boards are required to weigh all the evidence, including the steps a licensee has taken since the incident.
Dr. Bayati did not simply ask for his license back; he brought evidence. A clean substance abuse evaluation, proof of existing monitoring obligations, and a willingness to accept reasonable conditions all strengthened his case.
The LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team has helped licensed professionals across the country navigate board investigations, hearings, and reinstatement proceedings. Our attorneys understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with a licensing complaint, and we know that the right legal strategy can mean the difference between losing your livelihood and getting back to the career you have worked so hard to build.
For more information on how the LLF National Law Firm can help, call 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.