MONUMENT, Colo. – The Colorado Dental Board has ended the emergency suspension of Dr. Scott Hirsbrunner, owner of White Diamond Dental, after he admitted to multiple infection‑control violations. While his license remains active, it is now on probation for a minimum of two years, and the practice will be subject to unannounced inspections.
Board order and required actions
The board’s November 3 final order gives Hirsbrunner 30 days to correct the deficiencies and submit a detailed report. He and his staff must complete at least seven hours of approved infection‑control training within 60 days and pay $1,437.50 in fines and surcharges.
Once the report is approved and training completed, a board‑appointed consultant will conduct an unannounced infection‑control inspection at each office where Hirsbrunner practices. Any unresolved or new deficiencies will trigger further training and inspections until fully corrected. Additionally, a board‑approved dentist will visit each of his offices at least monthly to randomly review 20 patient charts.
Specific violations
Inspectors who visited the Monument office on Aug. 18 found that the practice had not tested its dental waterlines or performed weekly spore tests to verify sterilizer performance. Hirsbrunner also admitted to improperly disposing of biohazardous materials and to sterilizing and reusing items that are intended for single‑use only.
When asked about the findings, Hirsbrunner told KRDO13 Investigates that colleagues in the dental field believed similar issues could be uncovered if inspectors examined offices closely enough, saying, “They all said, you know what, we would have had the same thing happen to us. It’s common in offices if they investigate heavily enough.”
State inspection practices
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) confirmed that the state does not routinely inspect dental offices for infection‑control compliance. Unlike Nevada, Louisiana, and Idaho, which employ scheduled or random inspections, Colorado typically acts only after receiving a patient complaint.
DORA reported 142 complaints over the past five years alleging failures to meet infection‑control standards. Of those, 86 resulted in some form of disciplinary action, voluntary surrender, or settlement.
Broader context
Since KRDO13 Investigates first reported on Hirsbrunner, two additional southern Colorado dentists have faced discipline for similar infection‑control issues. When asked whether Colorado is considering routine or random inspections for dental offices, DORA had not responded at the time of publication.
Members of the public with information about dental‑office safety are encouraged to contact KRDO13 Investigates at [email protected].
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
