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History and Mission |
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History and Mission
Over 100
years ago, March 31, 1884, Robert M. McLane, Esquire, Governor
of Maryland, affixed his signature to the state's first
legislation to regulate the practice of dentistry, and is so
doing, created the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. The
history of the Board, unbroken to the present day, attests to
its usefulness for the protection of the public and the
advancement of the profession. The centennial of its founding is
appropriately a time to identify the founders and review the
problems, circumstances, motives and actions that culminated in
the establishment of this important state agency.
The 1884 law established the Board of
Dental Examiners with essentially the same functions and duties
it has today; i.e. limit the practice of dentistry to those who
are competent to engage in it, maintain a registry of certified
practitioners, provide reasonable opportunity to qualified
persons who wish to practice in Maryland, support an acceptable
standard of dental practice, and protect the public interest. In
accordance with its provisions, Governor McLane appointed five
reputable practicing dentists, resident in Maryland, non-pecuniarily
connected with any school of dentistry, for terms of two and
four years.
Currently, the Board consists of sixteen
members: nine dentists, four dental hygienists, and three
consumer members, all appointed by the Governor. Each member
serves a four year term and may be reappointed for a second
term. The Board meets on the first Wednesday of every month for
its Open Session, at which the public is invited to attend.
Following the open session the Board conducts an Executive
(closed) Session during which the Board members and staff
discuss non-public issues, such as proprietary operations and
disciplinary actions. The third Wednesday of each month is
reserved for the Discipline Review Committee meeting, a closed
session full board committee that reviews complaints against
those licensed by the Dental Board or making application for
licensure in Maryland.
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