GRAND FORKS (AP) - A hearing on complaints that an oral surgeon touched female patients in an inappropriate, sexual manner is wrapping up after testimony behind closed doors.

Dr. Greg Frokjer, of Grand Forks, has denied the allegations.

Administrative law judge Allen Hoberg closed the majority of Thursday's hearing at the request of Jerome Kettleson, the attorney for the State Board of Dental Examiners, who argued that some of the witness testimony from both sides would involve confidential and personal medical information.

Testimony from Altru President Dr. Casey Ryan was opened to the public. Frokjer's attorneys called Ryan to discuss the technique for presurgical medical history and physical examinations.

Four women have alleged that Frokjer made inappropriate contact with their breast and groin areas during physical exams.

Ryan said contact in those areas is not necessarily unusual during a comprehensive physical.

Standards for a presurgical physical vary among physicians, Ryan said, but he said he tends to be more comprehensive in his own exams. "You really, in my opinion, need to know what's going on in the whole body," Ryan said.

Kettleson wrote in his complaint that Frokjer's exams went "beyond the normal scope of physical examination for a dental procedure" in the case of the four women.

Ryan acknowledged that Frokjer had been issued a "letter of warning and admonition" by Altru after an incident involving a female patient.

He said Altru's medical executive committee recommended Frokjer have a chaperone present for all breast exams.

The hearing was to wrap up Friday. Hoberg said he would not make a decision on the allegations until after he returns to Bismarck and reviews the testimony.

He said he would make a recommendation to the board within 30 days.

The dental board then will have 60 days to make its own decision.

If the board finds merit in the allegations against Frokjer, it could suspend or revoke his dental license.