State senators are looking into making changes to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, according to an April 22 report from NC Health News.
Lawmakers want to move the board selection power to legislators, the governor and state labor commission, claiming it would hold the board more accountable to the public.
Currently, the board is made up of six dentists, one dental hygienist and one consumer advocate. Dentists stand for election amongst themselves for three-year terms, with two members being elected each year; a dental hygienist stands for election every three years; and the consumer advocate is appointed by the governor.
Under Senate Bill 599, another dental hygienist and consumer advocate would be added to the board, bringing the total to 10 members.
The governor, Senate president pro tempore, and speaker of the state’s House of Representatives each would appoint two dentists. The governor and the state labor commissioner would also appoint one dental hygienist and one consumer advocate each.
Supporters of the current board structure argue that lawmakers are attempting to allow private equity firms to buy, open and operate dental practices in North Carolina.
SB 599 received a hearing in the Senate Health Committee April 16 and was sent to the Senate Rules Committee, the report said.