TN Medical Association, et al vs. TN Board of Dentistry, et al

This is an appeal of an administrative decision involving the Tennessee Dental Practice Act. A licensed dentist petitioned the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to declare that he had the right under his dental license to perform various cosmetic procedures involving the face and neck, such as face lifts and nose jobs. The petition was granted and the Board of Dentistry issued a declaratory order that the petitioning dentist could perform such cosmetic procedures. The Appellees, including the Tennessee Medical Association, petitioned the Chancery Court to review the Board of Dentistry's decision. The Chancery Court reversed the Board of Dentistry's decision, finding that the Board had improperly expanded the practice of dentistry beyond what the legislature intended and that its decision was not supported by substantial and material evidence. On appeal, we affirm, finding that the Board's decision was contrary to the Dental Practice Act.