(a)

(1) If the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners or any other person has reason to believe that any license issued to a dentist or dental hygienist or a permit to perform expanded duties issued to a dental assistant should be suspended or revoked because of the existence of some cause provided for in this chapter, the board or such other person shall file with the Secretary of the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners written charges against the holder thereof specifically setting forth the offense complained of.

(2) The charges filed with the secretary will become the basis for a disciplinary hearing upon the finding by a majority vote of the board that sufficient cause exists to conduct the disciplinary hearing.

(b)

(1) A copy of the charges shall forthwith be delivered to the accused in person or by registered mail at his or her last known address, either of which constitutes sufficient notice to justify proceeding with a hearing of the charges against the accused.

(2) Accompanying the copy of the charges shall be a notice to the accused of the hour, day, and place of hearing of the charges and a notice to the accused to be present, if he or she so desires, to defend the action.

(c) The accused may be represented by counsel at the hearing and at the taking of all testimony relative to the action.

(d) The secretary is empowered to administer oaths to all persons testifying at any such hearing.

(e) The accused must be allowed at least twenty (20) days from the date of the notice of hearing before being required to defend the action.

(f) After considering the testimony adduced at the hearing, the board shall cause to be entered upon its minute book its findings and the action taken.

(g) If the license of the accused is suspended or revoked, it is further the duty of the board to enter its action on its registration record.