Public Information 2021

Notice of Intent to Lift Stay

The Board filed a Notice of Intent to Lift Stay in the Matter of Jack Elder, D.D.S., of Lake City, Iowa.

Notice of Hearing, Statement of Charges

Zavash Zarei-M, D.D.S., of Coralville, Iowa. Dr. Zarei-M was charged with failure to maintain a reasonably satisfactory standard of competency in the practice of endodontics; failure to maintain patient records in accordance with the requirements set forth in 650 IAC 27.11; failure to preserve the confidentiality of patient information; and actions that are abusive, coercive, intimidating, harassing, untruthful, or threatening in the practice of dentistry. A hearing in the matter has been scheduled for January 27, 2022.

Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision & Order

The Board approved a Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision and Order in the Matter of Thomas Evans, D.D.S. The Decision and Order resolves the Statement of Charges, which were filed by the Board on June 7, 2019. The Decision and Order places Dr. Evans' license to practice dentistry on probation for a period of two years from the date of the order and is subject to the terms established in the order.

The Board approved a Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision and Order in the Application for Dental License of David Weber, D.D.S. The Order was issued following Dr. Weber's appeal of a Preliminary Notice of Denial of the application. The application for dental license submitted by Dr. Weber is denied.

Other Orders

The Board issued a Ruling on Motion for Request for Reconsideration of Decision Revoking License in the Matter of Thomas Cooney, D.D.S. On September 7, 2021, Dr. Cooney filed a motion asking that the Board reconsider its decision to revoke Dr. Cooney's license for a minimum of two years. Dr. Cooney's request was denied.

The Associate Director issued an Order terminating the probation of the dental license of Chadwick Johnson, D.D.S. Dr. Johnson's license is returned to its full privileges and is free of all restrictions.

Other Orders

The Interim Director issued an Order terminating the probation of the dentist license of Avijit Goel, D.D.S.  Dr. Goel's license is returned to its full privileges and is free of all restrictions.

Combined Statements of Charges, Settlement Agreements and Final Orders

Ryan Bygness, D.D.S., of Denison, Iowa. Dr. Bygness was charged with employing or permitting an unregistered person to practice dental assisting.  There is no hearing on this matter as this is a combined Statement of Charges, Settlement Agreement and Final Order.

Rachel Crabb, R.D.H., of Sac City, Iowa. Ms. Crabb was charged with practicing dental hygiene in a manner that is harmful or detrimental to the public.  There is no hearing on this matter as this is a combined Statement of Charges, Settlement Agreement and Final Order.

Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision & Order

The Board approved the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision and Order in the Matter of Thomas Cooney, D.D.S.  The Decision and Order resolves the Statement of Charges, which were filed by the Board on January 6, 2021.  The Decision and Order revoked the dental license of Dr. Cooney for a minimum period of two years.  A request for reinstatement will be subject to the provisions of Iowa Administrative Code 650--51.34.

Other Orders

The Interim Director approved an Order lifting the temporary suspension of Dr. Taoran Zhang's license. Dr. Zhang's license will be on probation for two years subject to compliance with a number of conditions, which are established in the combined Statement of Charges, Settlement Agreement and Final Order dated April 28, 2021.

Combined Statements of Charges, Settlement Agreements and Final Orders

Taoran Zhang, D.D.S., of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Dr. Zhang was charged with failure to comply with standard precautions for preventing and controlling infection diseases and managing personnel health and safety concerns related to infection control as "required" or "recommended" for dentistry by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United Stated Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa occupational safety and health administration; failure to maintain adequate safety and sanitary conditions for a dental office; and delegating any acts to any registrant that are beyond the training or education of the registrant, or that are otherwise prohibited by Board rule. 

The Order also includes a temporary suspension of Dr. Zhang's license until Dr. Zhang completes Board-approved training in infection control and identifies a proposed infection control monitor, who will be subject to approval by the Board.  Thereafter, Dr. Zhang's license will be placed on probation for two years subject to compliance with a number of conditions. Dr. Zhang was also assessed a $5,000 civil penalty.  There is no hearing on this matter, as this is a combined Statement of Charges, Settlement Agreement and Final Order.​

On January 28, 2021, the Board held a hearing regarding the suspension of Thomas Cooney, D.D.S.  On February 26, 2021, the Board approved the following Order, which upholds the suspension, but allows Dr. Cooney to request that it be lifted if certain conditions are met.

Order Concerning the Request to Lift License Suspension during the Pendency of the Proceeding in the Matter of Thomas Cooney, D.D.S.  

The Board is scheduled to hold a hearing on the remaining issues in the Matter of Thomas Cooney, D.D.S. on Friday, March 19, 2021.

Notice of Hearing, Statement of Charges, and Emergency Adjudicative Order

Thomas Cooney, D.D.S., of Indianola, Iowa. Dr. Cooney has been charged with the following counts:

1. Failure to comply with an Order of the Board.
2. Failure to comply with standard precautions for preventing and controlling infection diseases and managing personnel health and safety concerns related to infection control as "required" or "recommended" for dentistry by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United Stated Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa occupational safety and health administration.
3. Failure to maintain adequate safety and sanitary conditions for a dental office.
4. Repeated failure to maintain patient records in accordance with the requirements set forth in 650 IAC 27.11.
5. Retaliating against any person for filing a complaint with the Board.

The Order also included an emergency adjudicative order, which suspended the license indefinitely.  The emergency adjudicative order was effective immediately and will remain in effect until further Order of the Board.  A hearing has been scheduled in this Matter for January 28, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.  Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the hearing will be held electronically.