Bill > S599

This bill reforms the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners by expanding its membership from 6 to 10 members and changing how those members are appointed. The new board will consist of six dentists (two appointed by the Governor, two by the Speaker of the House, and two by the Senate President Pro Tempore), two dental hygienists (one appointed by the Governor and one by the Commissioner of Labor), and two public consumer members (one appointed by the Governor and one by the Commissioner of Labor). The bill establishes specific qualifications for board members, including requirements that dentists and dental hygienists have at least five years of active practice and that consumer members have no financial interest in dental services and have never been licensed in the dental field. The board members will serve three-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms, and will receive per diem compensation and expense reimbursement. The bill eliminates the previous election-based selection process for board members and provides a detailed transition plan for replacing current board members. Additionally, the bill clarifies the board's purpose as regulating dentistry in the public interest and authorizes the board to adopt temporary and permanent rules to implement these changes. The new structure aims to increase board diversity, reduce potential conflicts of interest, and ensure more comprehensive oversight of dental practices in North Carolina.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S599