§ 1171 — Name used in practice of dentistry

(a) Any dentist who practices or offers to practice dentistry or dental surgery may use a trade name that is not false, misleading or deceptive provided that the proper name of 1 of the owners, all of whom must be dentists, is used in conjunction with the trade name.

(b) Advertisements in any medium shall include the name, as it appears on the current biennial renewal certificate, and the degree — D.D.S. or D.M.D. — of at least 1 licensed dentist who is an owner of the dental facility.

(c) A directory listing all of the names of the dentists practicing at that location shall be prominently displayed in the entrance or reception area of the dental facility.

(d) The names of dentists who have practiced under the trade name shall be maintained in the records of the dental facility for at least 5 years following their departure from the practice.

(e) The use of the name of a dentist no longer actively associated with the practice may not be continued for longer than 1 year.

(f) A trade name may not include the word “clinic” unless the name designates a public or nonprofit facility.

(g) A trade name may not include the word “institute” unless the name designates an educational or research facility.

(h) A trade name may not, by the use of plurals or otherwise, misrepresent the number of dentists practicing at a facility.

Legislative History

Code 1915, § 892T; 38 Del. Laws, c. 48, § 2 ; Code 1935, § 993; 24 Del. C. 1953, § 1171; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1 ; 77 Del. Laws, c. 463, § 36