Washington commissioner suspends dentist's license after allegedly practicing while intoxicated

The Washington Dental Quality Assurance Commissioner suspended a Silverdale dentist's license after he failed to complete a mandatory substance-use monitoring program, according to the Kitsap Sun.

The commissioner claimed James Drew, DDS, was unable to practice with "reasonable skill and safety." The commission received a report in 2013 alleging that Dr. Drew consumed alcohol during breaks and returned to practice on patients while intoxicated.

Dr. Drew enrolled in inpatient treatment for substance abuse. He also agreed to a five-year substance-use monitoring program.

Over the past three years, Dr. Drew failed the toxicology screenings twice. In 2017, he admitted to taking a controlled substance. The commissioner ruled Dr. Drew participated in a "pattern of deception."

Dr. Drew must now undergo a substance-use assessment and comply with the recommendations from the Washington Physicians Health Program to position for reinstatement

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