About the Board

The purpose of the Board, which was established in 1891, is to protect the public health and welfare by seeking to ensure that the public is served by competent and honest practitioners. This is done by establishing minimum standards of proficiency, and by examining, licensing, regulating and disciplining those who practice in the profession. The primary responsibilities of the Board are to license qualified applicants; promulgate rules; investigate complaints and cases of possible noncompliance with laws; and impose discipline when deemed appropriate.

The Board is a nine-member regulatory body comprised of 5 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, 1 denturist and 1 public member. All members are appointed by the Governor and meetings are scheduled on a monthly basis.

The Board grants licenses in the following categories: dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, denturists, independent practice dental hygienists, dental hygienists with public health supervision, expanded function dental assistants, and dental radiographers. The Board also issues permits to qualified licensees to perform certain dental procedures, including the use of nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia.