North Carolina legislators are considering switching the state dental board to be made up of politically appointed members instead of ones elected by dentists, NC Newsline reported March 16.
Six notes:
1. The North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners currently consists of eight members: six dentists, one hygienist and one governor-appointed consumer representative.
2. A new legislative proposal would change the board to be made up of 10 politically appointed members: four appointments from the governor, another four from the General Assembly and two others from the state labor commissioner.
3. Senator Amy Galey said during a meeting earlier this month that the change would align the dental board with other entities, including the state medical and pharmacy boards. It would also prevent the dental board from using its power to protect the profession at the expense of the public.
4. Rep. Sarah Stevens referenced a case between the state dental board and the Federal Trade Commission that went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that some of the board’s use of cease-and-desist letters violated federal antitrust laws.
5. Only dentist board members can vote on disciplinary matters, but the FTC took issue with the consumer representative being unable to vote.
6. Legislators will resume discussions about the proposal next month and are expected to approve it for consideration during the state’s short session, which begins April 21.
