Polliwog Dental Children's Dentistry, is at 255 SE 17th Street in Ocala, Florida 34771
State suspends pediatric dentist in Ocala
By Austin L. Miller
Staff writer
Published: Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:55 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:55 p.m.
OCALA, FLORIDA — An Ocala dentist whose office was visited in late July by authorities who removed files and interviewed employees has had his license suspended, according to the state Department of Health.
A report by the DOH ordered the emergency suspension of Dr. Michael Addair Tarver’s license to practice dentistry.
The order, dated Wednesday, states that Tarver is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He’s the owner and operator of Polliwog Dental, a children’s dentistry office at 255 SE 17th St.
DOH officials said the emergency suspension order is directed at the individual, not the facility. Therefore, while Tarver cannot practice in the state of Florida, his wife, Dr. Rebecca Tarver, also a licensed dentist, can practice, and therefore the facility remains open, DOH said.
Tarver disputes the allegations against him.
“I am profoundly disappointed and shocked that the Board of Dentistry would take such action without even reviewing the facts or giving me a chance to defend myself,” he said in an email to the Star-Banner, adding that his attorney is “fighting this decision” and that he expects to have his license reinstated soon.
Hailing his wife as an excellent dentist, Tarver said the office is open and “will continue to provide quality care.”
The 10-page document outlined the reasons for the suspension:
