§ 5-31.1-2 — § 5-31.1-2. Board of examiners in dentistry — Members — Compensation — Funds.

§ 5-31.1-2. Board of examiners in dentistry — Members — Compensation — Funds.

(a) There is created within the department of health the Rhode Island board of examiners in dentistry composed of the following members:

(1) Eight (8) licensed dentists, no more than three (3) shall be dental specialists as recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) and at least one of the three (3) dental specialists shall be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon;

(2) Four (4) public members not associated with the dental field;

(3) Two (2) licensed dental hygienists;

(4) The chief of the office of dental public health, who shall serve as an ex-officio member of the board; and

(5) One certified dental assistant.

(b) The governor shall appoint the members of the board, except that prior to appointing the eight (8) dentist members, the governor may submit a list of all candidates to the appropriate dental societies for comments as to their qualifications. No member shall be appointed for more than two (2) consecutive full terms. A member appointed for less than a full term (originally or to fill a vacancy) may serve two (2) full terms in addition to that part of a full term. Upon expiration of the term of office, a member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. A former member is again eligible for appointment after a lapse of one or more years. All subsequent appointments to the board shall be for a term of three (3) years. Any member of the board may be removed by the governor for neglect of duty, misconduct, malfeasance, or misfeasance in office after being given a written statement of the charges against him or her and sufficient opportunity to be heard on the charges. The director of the department of health shall appoint from the members a chairperson who shall be a dentist duly licensed under the laws of the state of Rhode Island, and a vice-chairperson who shall in the absence of the chairperson exercise all powers of the chairperson, and secretary, who serve for one year or until their successors are appointed and qualified. A majority of seats filled shall constitute a quorum. The board shall meet at least once a month or more often upon the call of the chairperson, director of health, or dental administrator, at any times and places that the chairperson designates.

(c) Members of the board shall not be paid for the discharge of official duties.

(d) The director has the authority to suspend or revoke the license of any dentist or dental hygienist who does not pay the annual fee. Monies shall be received by the department and deposited in the general fund as general revenues.

Legislative History

P.L. 1987, ch. 358, § 2; P.L. 1989, ch. 534, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 14; P.L. 2001, ch. 260, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 273, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 117, art. 21, § 10; P.L. 2013, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 95, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 69, § 1, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 70, § 1, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2025, ch. 134, § 1, effective June 24, 2025; P.L. 2025, ch. 135, § 1, effective June 24, 2025.