(225 ILCS 25/37) (from Ch. 111, par. 2337)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 37. Unlicensed practice; injunctions. The practice of dentistry by any person not holding a valid and current license under this Act is declared to be inimical to the public welfare, to constitute a public nuisance, and to cause irreparable harm to the public welfare.

A person is considered to practice dentistry who:

(1) employs a dentist, dental hygienist, or other entity which can provide dental services under this Act;

(2) directs or controls the use of any dental equipment or material while such equipment or material is being used for the provision of dental services, provided that this provision shall not be construed to prohibit a person from obtaining professional advice or assistance in obtaining or from leasing the equipment or material, provided the advice, assistance, or lease does not restrict or interfere with the custody, control, or use of the equipment or material by the person;

(3) directs, controls or interferes with a dentist's or dental hygienist's clinical judgment; or

(4) exercises direction or control, by written contract, license, or otherwise, over a dentist, dental hygienist, or other entity which can provide dental services under this Act in the selection of a course of treatment; limitation of patient referrals; content of patient records; policies and decisions relating to refunds (if the refund payment would be reportable under federal law to the National Practitioner Data Bank) and warranties and the clinical content of advertising; and final decisions relating to employment of dental assistants and dental hygienists. Nothing in this Act shall, however, be construed as prohibiting the seeking or giving of advice or assistance with respect to these matters.

The purpose of this Section is to prevent a non-dentist from influencing or otherwise interfering with the exercise of independent professional judgment by a dentist, dental hygienist, or other entity which can provide dental services under this Act. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit insurers and managed care plans from operating pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code under which the entities are licensed.

The Secretary, the Attorney General, the State's attorney of any county in the State, or any person may maintain an action in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, and may apply for injunctive relief in any circuit court to enjoin such person from engaging in such practice; and upon the filing of a verified petition in such court, the court if satisfied by affidavit, or otherwise, that such person has been engaged in such practice without a valid and current license so to do, may enter a temporary restraining order without notice or bond, enjoining the defendant from such further practice. Only the showing of non-licensure, by affidavit or otherwise, is necessary in order for a temporary injunction to issue. A copy of the verified complaint shall be served upon the defendant and the proceedings shall thereafter be conducted as in other civil cases except as modified by this Section. If it is established that the defendant has been, or is engaged in such unlawful practice, the court may enter an order or judgment perpetually enjoining the defendant from further such practice. In all proceedings hereunder the court, in its discretion, may apportion the costs among the parties interested in the action, including cost of filing the complaint, service of process, witness fees and expenses, court reporter charges and reasonable attorneys' fees. In case of violation of any injunctive order entered under the provisions of this Section, the court may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court. Such injunction proceedings shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies provided in this Act.

This Section does not apply to an executor, administrator, guardian, or authorized representative contracting with another dentist or dentists to continue the operations of a deceased or incapacitated dentist's practice under Section 38.2 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-1013, eff. 8-17-12.)