Commission grants provisional license to Dr. Xi Hua Schu and accepts memorandum clearing Dr. Helms; minor revision to note voluntary participation

At today’s meeting the Connecticut State Dental Commission took two formal actions.

Provisional license: Deborah (Deb) Brown of the Department of Public Health presented an application for a provisional faculty dental license for Dr. Xi Hua Schu to practice at Yukon. The commission confirmed the required exams and documentation in the submitted packet and moved to approve the application. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; no individual vote tallies were provided in the meeting record.

Memorandum of decision in Dr. Helms matter: The panel reported on a two‑day hearing in a complaint alleging alcohol use and treatment‑related concerns. After reviewing testimony and evidence, the panel concluded the allegations were not proven and recommended no disciplinary action against Dr. Helms’s license. Commissioner Craig and others asked that the findings of fact be edited to clarify that the respondent "voluntarily participated" in Haven (rather than being compelled by a consent order or commission order). Assistant Attorney General Susan Castingway said that change could be made and would be cited to the record. Attorney Fazina, who represented the department at the hearing, asked for the opportunity to comment under Conn. Gen. Stat. §4‑179; commissioners discussed procedural fairness and elected to hear Fazina briefly before the vote. After discussion the motion to accept the memorandum of decision (with the agreed insertion that participation in Haven was voluntary) was approved by voice vote; no opposed votes were recorded on the transcript.

The commission did not impose discipline in the Helms matter. Board staff will incorporate the minor factual clarification into the final decision document.