Add dentistry to driving on the list of activities that, if you are accused of performing them while intoxicated, can have life-changing ramifications. An Iowa dentist found this out firsthand, as he is ineligible to perform his dental duties and faces criminal charges for an incident at an Anamosa prison. 

Any professional facing sanctions must understand the gravity of the situation and retain a capable defense. Call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online. 

Iowa Dentist Accused of Performing Prison Root Canal While Intoxicated 

Prisoners need dental care, too. The dentists charged with performing dental work on prisoners are held to the same standards as dentists who care for CEOs, plumbers, teachers, and other non-incarcerated patients. 

That is why Paymun Bayati has seen his license suspended and could potentially face license revocation. The sanctions stem from his performance of a root canal at Anamosa State Penitentiary. Bayati arrived to perform a root canal on a prisoner in December 2023 when: 

• Nurses assisting with the procedure reported that Bayati appeared intoxicated 
• The prison's warden met with Bayati to inform him he was no longer permitted to perform dental work at the prison (with the warden apparently agreeing that Bayati seemed intoxicated) 
• Bayati drove away from the prison before being intercepted by law enforcement officers 

The officers reportedly found an empty flask in Bayati's vehicle. Bayati denies drinking alcohol, claims that the flask was “camping gear” accidentally left in the vehicle, and contests that it would have been impossible for him to become intoxicated under the circumstances. 

The Dentist Faces Criminal Charges and Severe Professional Sanctions 

Iowa's professional regulators suspended Bayati's license, meaning he is not eligible to practice dentistry. Bayati also faces criminal proceedings and further disciplinary proceedings from the Iowa Dental Board. 

The dentist has faced sanctions in the past after a patient complained that he placed four dental implants incorrectly. The Board charged Bayati with “failing to maintain a reasonably satisfactory standard of competency related to dental implants.” This history will likely be held against Bayati in future disciplinary proceedings. 

Every Professional Deserves a Capable Defense from License Sanctions 

Regardless of what you think about Bayati's responsibility for what occurred at Anamosa State Penitentiary, he is entitled to a capable defense—as is every professional facing sanctions that could affect their livelihood. 

Professional sanctions can: 

• Prevent a professional from doing the job they love 
• Place great financial strain on the professional facing sanctions 
• Besmirch one's reputation in a manner that has long-term consequences 

These consequences are severe, and every professional should retain help in defending their license and reputation. 

Let the Lento Law Firm Team Defend You from Professional Sanctions 

Call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online about how our attorneys can defend you from license-related sanctions. We oversee every stage of the professional license defense process, from investigation through appeals.