Dentistry.
§ 90‑22. Practice of dentistry regulated in public interest; Article liberally construed; Board of Dental Examiners; composition; qualifications and terms of members; vacancies; nominations and elections; compensation; expenditures by Board.
(a) The practice of dentistry in the State of North Carolina is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety and welfare and to be subject to regulation and control in the public interest. It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that the dental profession merit and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified persons be permitted to practice dentistry in the State of North Carolina. This Article shall be liberally construed to carry out these objects and purposes.
(b) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners heretofore created by Chapter 139, Public Laws 1879 and by Chapter 178, Public Laws 1915, is hereby continued as the agency of the State for the regulation of the practice of dentistry in this State. Said Board of Dental Examiners shall consist of six dentists who are licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina, one dental hygienist who is licensed to practice dental hygiene in North Carolina and one person who shall be a citizen and resident of North Carolina and who shall be licensed to practice neither dentistry nor dental hygiene. The dental hygienist or the consumer member cannot participate or vote in any matters of the Board which involves the issuance, renewal or revocation of the license to practice dentistry in the State of North Carolina. The consumer member cannot participate or vote in any matters of the Board which involve the issuance, renewal or revocation of the license to practice dental hygiene in the State of North Carolina. Members of the Board licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina shall have been elected in an election held as hereinafter provided in which every person licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina and residing or practicing in North Carolina shall be entitled to vote. Each member of said Board shall be elected for a term of three years and until his successor shall be elected and shall qualify. Each year there shall be elected two dentists for such terms of three years each. Every three years there shall be elected one dental hygienist for a term of three years. Dental hygienists shall be elected to the Board in an election held in accordance with the procedures hereinafter provided in which those persons licensed to practice dental hygiene in North Carolina and residing or practicing in North Carolina shall be entitled to vote. Every three years a person who is a citizen and resident of North Carolina and licensed to practice neither dentistry nor dental hygiene shall be appointed to the Board for a term of three years by the Governor of North Carolina. Any vacancy occurring on said Board shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board to serve until the next regular election conducted by the Board, at which time the vacancy will be filled by the election process provided for in this Article, except that when the seat on the Board held by a person licensed to practice neither dentistry nor dental hygiene in North Carolina shall become vacant, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the period of the unexpired term. No dentist shall be nominated for or elected to membership on said Board, unless, at the time of such nomination and election such person is licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina and actually engaged in the practice of dentistry. No dental hygienist shall be nominated for or elected to membership on said Board unless, at the time of such nomination and election, such person is licensed to practice dental hygiene in North Carolina and is currently employed in dental hygiene in North Carolina. No person shall be nominated, elected, or appointed to serve more than two consecutive terms on said Board.
(c) Nominations and elections of members of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall be as follows:
(1) An election shall be held each year to elect successors to those members whose terms are expiring in the year of the election, each successor to take office on the first day of August following the election and to hold office for a term of three years and until his successor has been elected and shall qualify; provided that if in any year the election of the members of such Board for that year shall not have been completed by August 1 of that year, then the said members elected that year shall take office immediately after the completion of the election and shall hold office until the first of August of the third year thereafter and until their successors are elected and qualified. Persons appointed to the Board by the Governor shall take office on the first day of August following their appointment and shall hold office for a term of three years and until such person's successor has been appointed and shall qualify; provided that if in any year the Governor shall not have appointed a person by August first of that year, then the said member appointed that year shall take office immediately after his appointment and shall hold office until the first of August of the third year thereafter and until such member's successor is appointed and qualified.
(2) Every dentist with a current North Carolina license residing or practicing in North Carolina shall be eligible to vote in elections of dentists to the Board. Every dental hygienist with a current North Carolina license residing or practicing in North Carolina shall be eligible to vote in elections of dental hygienists to the Board. The holding of such a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in North Carolina shall constitute registration to vote in such elections. The list of licensed dentists and dental hygienists shall constitute the registration list for elections to the appropriate seats on the Board.
(3) All elections shall be conducted by the Board of Dental Examiners which is hereby constituted a Board of Dental Elections. If a member of the Board of Dental Examiners whose position is to be filled at any election is nominated to succeed himself, and does not withdraw his name, he shall be disqualified to serve as a member of the Board of Dental Elections for that election and the remaining members of the Board of Dental Elections shall proceed and function without his participation.
(4) Nomination of dentists for election shall be made to the Board of Dental Elections by a written petition signed by not less than 10 dentists licensed to practice in North Carolina and residing or practicing in North Carolina. Nomination of dental hygienists for election shall be made to the Board of Dental Elections by a written petition signed by not less than 10 dental hygienists licensed to practice in North Carolina and residing or practicing in North Carolina. Such petitions shall be filed with said Board of Dental Elections subsequent to January 1 of the year in which the election is to be held and not later than midnight of the twentieth day of May of such year, or not later than such earlier date (not before April 1) as may be set by the Board of Dental Elections: provided, that not less than 10 days' notice of such earlier date shall be given to all dentists or dental hygienists qualified to sign a petition of nomination. The Board of Dental Elections shall, before preparing ballots, notify all persons who have been duly nominated of their nomination.
(5) Any person who is nominated as provided in subdivision (4) above may withdraw his name by written notice delivered to the Board of Dental Elections or its designated secretary at any time prior to the closing of the polls in any election.
(6) Following the close of nominations, there shall be prepared, under and in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Board of Dental Elections shall prescribe, ballots containing, in alphabetical order, the names of all nominees; and each ballot shall have such method of identification, and such instructions and requirements printed thereon, as shall be prescribed by the Board of Dental Elections. At such time as may be fixed by the Board of Dental Elections a ballot and a return official envelope addressed to said Board shall be mailed to each person entitled to vote in the election being conducted, together with a notice by said Board designating the latest day and hour for return mailing and containing such other items as such Board may see fit to include. The said envelope shall bear a serial number and shall have printed on the left portion of its face the following:
"Serial No. of Envelope
Signature of Voter
Address of Voter
(Note: The enclosed ballot is not valid unless the signature of the voter is on this envelope)."
The Board of Dental Elections may cause to be printed or stamped or written on said envelope such additional notice as it may see fit to give. No ballot shall be valid or shall be counted in an election unless, within the time hereinafter provided, it has been delivered to said Board by hand or by mail and shall be sealed. The said Board by rule may make provision for replacement of lost or destroyed envelopes or ballots upon making proper provisions to safeguard against abuse.
(7) The date and hour fixed by the Board of Dental Elections as the latest time for delivery by hand or mailing of said return ballots shall be not earlier than the tenth day following the mailing of the envelopes and ballots to the voters.
(8) The said ballots shall be canvassed by the Board of Dental Elections beginning at noon on a day and at a place set by said Board and announced by it in the notice accompanying the sending out of the ballots and envelopes, said date to be not later than four days after the date fixed by the Board for the closing of the balloting. The canvassing shall be made publicly and any licensed dentists may be present. The counting of ballots shall be conducted as follows: The envelopes shall be displayed to the persons present and an opportunity shall be given to any person present to challenge the qualification of the voter whose signature appears on the envelope or to challenge the validity of the envelope. Any envelope (with enclosed ballot) challenged shall be set aside, and the challenge shall be heard later or at that time by said Board. After the envelopes have been so exhibited, those not challenged shall be opened and the ballots extracted therefrom, insofar as practicable without showing the marking on the ballots, and there shall be a final and complete separation of each envelope and its enclosed ballot. Thereafter each ballot shall be presented for counting, shall be displayed and, if not challenged, shall be counted. No ballot shall be valid if it is marked for more nominees than there are positions to be filled in that election: provided, that no ballot shall be rejected for any technical error unless it is impossible to determine the voter's choices or choice from the ballot. The counting of the ballots shall be continued until completed. During the counting, challenge may be made to any ballot on the grounds only of defects appearing on the face of the ballot. The said Board may decide the challenge immediately when it is made or it may put aside the ballot and determine the challenge upon the conclusion of the counting of the ballots.
(9) a. Where there is more than one nominee eligible for election to a single seat:
1. The nominee receiving a majority of the votes cast shall be declared elected.
2. In the event that no nominee receives a majority, a second election shall be conducted between the two nominees who receive the highest number of votes.
b. Where there are more than two nominees eligible for election to either of two seats at issue in the same election:
1. A majority shall be any excess of the sum ascertained by dividing the total number of votes cast for all nominees by four.
2. In the event that more than two nominees receive a majority of the votes cast, the two receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.
3. In the event that only one of the nominees receives a majority, he shall be declared elected and the Board of Dental Examiners shall thereupon order a second election to be conducted between the two nominees receiving the next to highest number of votes.
4. In the event that no nominee receives a majority, a second election shall be conducted between the four candidates receiving the highest number of votes. At such second election, the two nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.
c. In any election, if there is a tie between candidates, the tie shall be resolved by the vote of the Board of Dental Examiners, provided that if a member of that Board is one of the candidates in the tie, he may not participate in such vote.
(10) In the event there shall be required a second election, there shall be followed the same procedure as outlined in the paragraphs above subject to the same limitations and requirements: provided, that if the second election is between four candidates, then the two receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.
(11) In the case of the death or withdrawal of a candidate prior to the closing of the polls in any election, he shall be eliminated from the contest and any votes cast for him shall be disregarded. If, at any time after the closing of the period for nominations because of lack of plural or proper nominations or death, or withdrawal, or disqualification or any other reason, there shall be (i) only two candidates for two positions, they shall be declared elected by the Board of Dental Elections, or (ii) only one candidate for one position, he shall be declared elected by the Board of Dental Elections, or (iii) no candidate for two positions, the two positions shall be filled by the Board of Dental Examiners, or (iv) no candidate for one position, the position shall be filled by the Board of Dental Examiners, or (v) one candidate for two positions, the one candidate shall be declared elected by the Board of Dental Elections and one qualified dentist shall be elected to the other position by the Board of Dental Examiners. In the event of the death or withdrawal of a candidate after election but before taking office, the position to which he was elected shall be filled by the Board of Dental Examiners. In the event of the death or resignation of a member of the Board of Dental Examiners, after taking office, his position shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Board of Dental Examiners.
(12) An official list of licensed dentists shall be kept at an office of the Board of Dental Elections and shall be open to the inspection of any person at all times. Copies may be made by any licensed dentist. As soon as the voting in any election begins a list of the licensed dentists shall be posted in such office of said Board and indication by mark or otherwise shall be made on that list to show whether a ballot‑enclosing envelope has been returned.
(13) All envelopes enclosing ballots and all ballots shall be preserved and held separately by the Board of Dental Elections for a period of six months following the close of an election.
(14) From any decision of the Board of Dental Elections relative to the conduct of such elections, appeal may be taken to the courts in the manner otherwise provided by Chapter 150B of the General Statutes of North Carolina.
(15) The Board of Dental Elections is authorized to make rules and regulations relative to the conduct of these elections, provided same are not in conflict with the provisions of this section and provided that notice shall be given to all licensed dentists residing in North Carolina.
(d) For service on the Board of Dental Elections, the members of such Board shall receive the per diem compensation and expenses allowed by this Article for service as members of the Board of Dental Examiners. The Board of Dental Elections is authorized and empowered to expend from funds collected under the provisions of this Article such sum or sums as it may determine necessary in the performance of its duties as a Board of Dental Elections, said expenditures to be in addition to the authorization contained in G.S. 90‑43 and to be disbursed as provided therein.
(e) The Board of Dental Elections is authorized to appoint such secretary or secretaries and/or assistant secretary or assistant secretaries to perform such functions in connection with such nominations and elections as said Board shall determine, provided that any protestant or contestant shall have the right to a hearing by said Board in connection with any challenge of a voter, or an envelope, or a ballot or the counting of an election. Said Board is authorized to designate an office or offices for the keeping of lists of registered dentists, for the issuance and the receipt of envelopes and ballots. (1935, c. 66, s. 1; 1957, c. 592, s. 1; 1961, c. 213, s. 1; 1971, c. 755, s. 1; 1973, c. 1331, s. 3; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1195, ss. 1‑5; 1981, c. 751, ss. 1, 2; 1987, c. 827, s. 1.)
§ 90‑23. Officers; common seal.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall, at each annual meeting thereof, elect one of its members president and one secretary‑treasurer. The common seal which has already been adopted by said Board, pursuant to law, shall be continued as the seal of said Board. (1935, c. 66, s. 2.)
§ 90‑24. Quorum; adjourned meetings.
A majority of the members of said Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and at any meeting of the Board, if a majority of the members are not present at the time and the place appointed for the meeting, those members of the Board present may adjourn from day to day until a quorum is present, and the action of the Board taken at any adjourned meeting thus had shall have the same force and effect as if had upon the day and at the hour of the meeting called and adjourned from day to day. (1935, c. 66, s. 2; 1981, c. 751, s. 3.)
§ 90‑25. Records and transcripts.
The said Board shall keep a record of its transactions at all annual or special meetings and shall provide a record book in which shall be entered the names and proficiency of all persons to whom licenses may be granted under the provisions of law. The said book shall show, also, the license number and the date upon which such license was issued and shall show such other matters as in the opinion of the Board may be necessary or proper. Said book shall be deemed a book of record of said Board and a transcript of any entry therein or a certification that there is not entered therein the name, proficiency and license number or date of granting such license, certified under the hand of the secretary‑treasurer, attested by the seal of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, shall be admitted as evidence in any court of this State when the same shall otherwise be competent. (1935, c. 66, s. 2.)
§ 90‑26. Annual and special meetings.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall meet annually on the date and at the time and place as may be determined by the Board, and at such other dates, times, and places as may be determined by action of the Board or by any majority of the members thereof. Notice of the date, time, and place of the annual meeting and of the date, time, and place of any special or called meeting shall be given in writing, by registered or certified mail or personally, to each member of the Board at least 10 days prior to said meeting; provided the requirements of notice may be waived by any member of the Board. At the annual meeting or at any special or called meeting, the said Board shall have the power to conduct examination of applicants and to transact such other business as may come before it, provided that in case of a special meeting, the purpose for which said meeting is called shall be stated in the notice. (1935, c. 66, s. 3; 1961, c. 446, s. 1; 1981, c. 751, s. 4; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 584, s. 5.)
§ 90‑27. Judicial powers; additional data for records.
The president of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, and/or the secretary‑treasurer of said Board, shall have the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of persons and the production of papers and records before said Board in any hearing, investigation or proceeding conducted by it. The sheriff or other proper official of any county of the State shall serve the process issued by said president or secretary‑treasurer of said Board pursuant to its requirements and in the same manner as process issued by any court of record. The said Board shall pay for the service of all process, such fees as are provided by law for the service of like process in other cases.
Any person who shall neglect or refuse to obey any subpoena requiring him to attend and testify before said Board or to produce books, records or documents shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The Board shall have the power, upon the production of any papers, records or data, to authorize certified copies thereof to be substituted in the permanent record of the matter in which such books, records or data shall have been introduced in evidence. (1935, c. 66, s. 4; 1993, c. 539, s. 616; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
§ 90‑28. Bylaws and regulations; acquisition of property.
(a) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall have the power to make necessary bylaws and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article, regarding any matter referred to in this Article and for the purpose of facilitating the transaction of business by the Board.
(b) The Board shall have the power to acquire, hold, rent, encumber, alienate, and otherwise deal with real property in the same manner as a private person or corporation, subject only to approval of the Governor and the Council of State. Collateral pledged by the Board for an encumbrance is limited to the assets, income, and revenues of the Board. (1935, c. 66, s. 5; 2005‑366, s. 3.)
§ 90-28.1: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 90-28.2: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 90-28.3: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 90-28.4: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 90‑28.5. Disasters and emergencies.
If the Governor declares a state of emergency or a county or municipality enacts ordinances under G.S. 153A‑121, 160A‑174, 166A‑19.31, or Article 22 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes, the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners may waive the requirements of this Article and Article 16 of this Chapter to permit the provision of dental and dental hygiene services to the public during the state of emergency. (2020‑3, s. 3D.1(a).)
§ 90‑29. Necessity for license; dentistry defined; exemptions.
(a) No person shall engage in the practice of dentistry in this State, or offer or attempt to do so, unless such person is the holder of a valid license or certificate of renewal of license duly issued by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.
(b) A person shall be deemed to be practicing dentistry in this State who does, undertakes or attempts to do, or claims the ability to do any one or more of the following acts or things which, for the purposes of this Article, constitute the practice of dentistry:
(1) Diagnoses, treats, operates, or prescribes for any disease, disorder, pain, deformity, injury, deficiency, defect, or other physical condition of the human teeth, gums, alveolar process, jaws, maxilla, mandible, or adjacent tissues or structures of the oral cavity;
(2) Removes stains, accretions or deposits from the human teeth;
(3) Extracts a human tooth or teeth;
(4) Performs any phase of any operation relative or incident to the replacement or restoration of all or a part of a human tooth or teeth with any artificial substance, material or device;
(5) Corrects the malposition or malformation of the human teeth;
(6) Administers an anesthetic of any kind in the treatment of dental or oral diseases or physical conditions, or in preparation for or incident to any operation within the oral cavity; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to a lawfully qualified nurse anesthetist who administers such anesthetic under the supervision and direction of a licensed dentist or physician, or to a registered dental hygienist qualified to administer local anesthetics.
(6a) Expired pursuant to Session Laws 1991, c. 678, s. 2.
(7) Takes or makes an impression of the human teeth, gums or jaws;
(8) Makes, builds, constructs, furnishes, processes, reproduces, repairs, adjusts, supplies or professionally places in the human mouth any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, corrective device, or other structure designed or constructed as a substitute for a natural human tooth or teeth or as an aid in the treatment of the malposition or malformation of a tooth or teeth, except to the extent the same may lawfully be performed in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 90‑29.1 and 90‑29.2;
(9) Uses a Roentgen or X‑ray machine or device for dental treatment or diagnostic purposes, or gives interpretations or readings of dental Roentgenograms or X rays;
(10) Performs or engages in any of the clinical practices included in the curricula of recognized dental schools or colleges;
(11) Owns, manages, supervises, controls or conducts, either himself, by and through another person or other persons, or by use of any electronic or other digital means, any enterprise wherein any one or more of the acts or practices set forth in subdivisions (1) through (10) above are done, attempted to be done, or represented to be done.
(12) Uses, in connection with his name, any title or designation, such as "dentist," "dental surgeon," "doctor of dental surgery," "D.D.S.," "D.M.D.," or any other letters, words or descriptive matter which, in any manner, represents him as being a dentist able or qualified to do or perform any one or more of the acts or practices set forth in subdivisions (1) through (10) above;
(13) Represents to the public, by any advertisement or announcement, by or through any media, the ability or qualification to do or perform any of the acts or practices set forth in subdivisions (1) through (10) above.
(14) The administration by dentists of diagnostic tests and antibody tests for coronavirus disease 2019 to patients only if such tests have been approved or authorized for emergency use by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
(c) The following acts, practices, or operations, however, shall not constitute the unlawful practice of dentistry:
(1) Any act by a duly licensed physician or surgeon performed in the practice of his profession;
(2) The practice of dentistry, in the discharge of their official duties, by dentists in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States or in the full‑time employ of any agency of the United States;
(3) The teaching or practice of dentistry, in dental schools or colleges operated and conducted in this State and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, by any person or persons licensed to practice dentistry anywhere in the United States or in any country, territory or other recognized jurisdiction until December 31, 2002. On or after January 1, 2003, all dentists previously practicing under G.S. 90‑29(c)(3) shall be granted an instructor's license upon application to the Board and payment of the required fee.
(4) The practice of dentistry in dental schools or colleges in this State approved by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners by students enrolled in such schools or colleges as candidates for a doctoral degree in dentistry when such practice is performed as a part of their course of instruction and is under direct supervision of a dentist who is either duly licensed in North Carolina or qualified under subdivision (3) above as a teacher; additionally, the practice of dentistry by such students at State or county institutions with resident populations, hospitals, State or county health departments, area health education centers, nonprofit health care facilities serving low‑income populations and approved by the State Health Director or his designee and approved by the Board of Dental Examiners, and State or county‑owned nursing homes; subject to review and approval or disapproval by the said Board of Dental Examiners when in the opinion of the dean of such dental school or college or his designee, the students' dental education and experience are adequate therefor, and such practice is a part of the course of instruction of such students, is performed under the direct supervision of a duly licensed dentist acting as a teacher or instructor, and is without remuneration except for expenses and subsistence all as defined and permitted by the rules and regulations of said Board of Dental Examiners. Should the Board disapprove a specific program, the Board shall within 90 days inform the dean of its actions. Nothing herein shall be construed to permit the teaching of, delegation to or performance by any dental hygienist, dental assistant, or other auxiliary relative to any program of extramural rotation, of any function not heretofore permitted by the Dental Practice Act, the Dental Hygiene Act or by the rules and regulations of the Board;
(5) The temporary practice of dentistry by licensed dentists of another state or of any territory or country when the same is performed, as clinicians, at meetings of organized dental societies, associations, colleges or similar dental organizations, or when such dentists appear in emergency cases upon the specific call of a dentist duly licensed to practice in this State;
(6) The practice of dentistry by a person who is a graduate of a dental school or college approved by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners and who is not licensed to practice dentistry in this State, when such person is the holder of a valid intern permit, or provisional license, issued to him by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Article, and when such practice of dentistry complies with the conditions of said intern permit, or provisional license;
(7) Any act or acts performed by a dental hygienist when such act or acts are lawfully performed pursuant to the authority of Article 16 of this Chapter 90 or the rules and regulations of the Board promulgated thereunder;
(8) Activity which would otherwise be considered the practice of dental hygiene performed by students enrolled in a school or college approved by the Board in a board‑approved dental hygiene program under the direct supervision of a dental hygienist or a dentist duly licensed in North Carolina or qualified for the teaching of dentistry pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (3) above;
(9) Any act or acts performed by an assistant to a dentist licensed to practice in this State when said act or acts are authorized and permitted by and performed in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Board;
(10) Dental assisting and related functions as a part of their instructions by students enrolled in a course in dental assisting conducted in this State and approved by the Board, when such functions are performed under the supervision of a dentist acting as a teacher or instructor who is either duly licensed in North Carolina or qualified for the teaching of dentistry pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (3) above;
(11) The extraoral construction, manufacture, fabrication or repair of prosthetic dentures, bridges, appliances, corrective devices, or other structures designed or constructed as a substitute for a natural human tooth or teeth or as an aid in the treatment of the malposition or malformation of a tooth or teeth, by a person or entity not licensed to practice dentistry in this State, when the same is done or performed solely upon a written work order in strict compliance with the terms, provisions, conditions and requirements of G.S. 90‑29.1 and 90‑29.2.
(12) The use of a dental x‑ray machine in the taking of dental radiographs by a dental hygienist, certified dental assistant, or a dental assistant who can show evidence of satisfactory performance on an equivalency examination, recognized by the Board of Dental Examiners, based on seven hours of instruction in the production and use of dental x rays and an educational program of not less than seven hours in clinical dental radiology.
(13) A dental assistant, or dental hygienist who shows evidence of education and training in Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Inhalant Conscious Sedation within a formal educational program may aid and assist a licensed dentist in the administration of Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Inhalant Conscious Sedation. Any dental assistant who can show evidence of having completed an educational program recognized by the Board of not less than seven clock hours on Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Inhalant Conscious Sedation may also aid and assist a licensed dentist in the administration of Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Inhalant Conscious Sedation. Any dental hygienist or dental assistant who has been employed in a dental office where Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Inhalant Conscious Sedation was utilized, and who can show evidence of performance and instruction of not less than one year prior to July 1, 1980, qualifies to aid and assist a licensed dentist in the administration of Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Inhalant Conscious Sedation.
(14) The operation of a nonprofit health care facility serving low‑income populations and approved by the State Health Director or his designee and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. (1935, c. 66, s. 6; 1953, c. 564, s. 3; 1957, c. 592, s. 2; 1961, c. 446, s. 2; 1965, c. 163, ss. 1, 2; 1971, c. 755, s. 2; 1977, c. 368; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1195, ss. 10, 15; 1991, c. 658, s. 1; c. 678, ss. 1, 2; 1997‑481, ss. 5, 6; 2002‑37, s. 8; 2011‑183, s. 57; 2020‑3, s. 3D.2(a); 2021‑95, s. 1(a).)
§ 90‑29.1. Extraoral services performed for dentists.
Licensed dentists may employ or engage the services of any person, firm or corporation to construct or repair, extraorally, prosthetic dentures, bridges, or other replacements for a part of a tooth, a tooth, or teeth. A person, firm, or corporation so employed or engaged, when constructing or repairing such dentures, bridges, or replacements, exclusively, directly, and solely on the written work order of a licensed member of the dental profession as hereafter provided, and not for the public or any part thereof, shall not be deemed or considered to be practicing dentistry as defined in this Article. (1957, c. 592, s. 3; 1961, c. 446, ss. 3, 4; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1195, s. 6.)
§ 90‑29.2. Requirements in respect to written work orders; penalty.
(a) Any licensed dentist who employs or engages the services of any person, firm or corporation to construct or repair, extraorally, prosthetic dentures, bridges, orthodontic appliance, or other replacements, for a part of a tooth, a tooth or teeth, shall furnish such person, firm or corporation with a written work order on forms prescribed by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners which shall contain:
(1) The name and address of the person, firm, or corporation to which the work order is directed.
(2) The patient's name or identification number. If a number is used, the patient's name shall be written upon the duplicate copy of the work order retained by the dentist.
(3) The date on which the work order was written.
(4) A description of the work to be done, including diagrams if necessary.
(5) A specification of the type and quality of materials to be used.
(6) The signature of the dentist and the number of his license to practice dentistry.
(b) The person, firm or corporation receiving a work order from a licensed dentist shall retain the original work order and the dentist shall retain a duplicate copy thereof for inspection at any reasonable time by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners or its duly authorized agents, for a period of two years in both cases.
(c) If the person, firm or corporation receiving a written work order from a licensed dentist engages another person, firm or corporation (hereinafter referred to as "subcontractor") to perform some of the services relative to such work order, he or it shall furnish a written subwork order with respect thereto on forms prescribed by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners which shall contain:
(1) The name and address of the subcontractor.
(2) A number identifying the subwork order with the original work order, which number shall be endorsed on the work order received from the licensed dentist.
(3) The date on which the subwork order was written.
(4) A description of the work to be done by the subcontractor, including diagrams if necessary.
(5) A specification of the type and quality of materials to be used.
(6) The signature of the person, firm or corporation issuing the subwork order.
The subcontractor shall retain the subwork order and the issuer thereof shall retain a duplicate copy, attached to the work order received from the licensed dentist, for inspection by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners or its duly authorized agents, for a period of two years in both cases.
(d) Any licensed dentist who:
(1) Employs or engages the services of any person, firm or corporation to construct or repair extraorally, prosthetic dentures, bridges, or other dental appliances without first providing such person, firm, or corporation with a written work order; or
(2) Fails to retain a duplicate copy of the work order for two years; or
(3) Refuses to allow the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners to inspect his files of work orders
is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may revoke or suspend his license therefor.
(e) Any such person, firm, or corporation, who:
(1) Furnishes such services to any licensed dentist without first obtaining a written work order therefor from such dentist; or
(2) Acting as a subcontractor as described in (c) above, furnishes such services to any person, firm or corporation, without first obtaining a written subwork order from such person, firm or corporation; or
(3) Fails to retain the original work order or subwork order, as the case may be, for two years; or
(4) Refuses to allow the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners or its duly authorized agents, to inspect his or its files of work orders or subwork orders shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (1961, c. 446, s. 5; 1993, c. 539, ss. 617, 618; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
§ 90‑29.3. Provisional license.
(a) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall, subject to its rules and regulations, issue a provisional license to practice dentistry to any person who is licensed to practice dentistry anywhere in the United States or in any country, territory or other recognized jurisdiction, if the Board shall determine that said licensing jurisdiction imposed upon said person requirements for licensure no less exacting than those imposed by this State. A provisional licensee may engage in the practice of dentistry only in strict accordance with the terms, conditions and limitations of his license and with the rules and regulations of the Board pertaining to provisional license.
(b) A provisional license shall be valid until the date of the announcement of the results of the next succeeding Board examination of candidates for licensure to practice dentistry in this State, unless the same shall be earlier revoked or suspended by the Board.
(c) No person who has failed an examination conducted by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall be eligible to receive a provisional license.
(d) Any person desiring to secure a provisional license shall make application therefor in the manner and form prescribed by the rules and regulations of the Board and shall pay the fee prescribed in G.S. 90‑39 of this Article.
(e) A provisional licensee shall be subject to those various disciplinary measures and penalties set forth in G.S. 90‑41 upon a determination of the Board that said provisional licensee has violated any of the terms or provisions of this Article. (1969, c. 804, s. 1.)
§ 90‑29.4. Intern permit.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may, in the exercise of the discretion of said Board, issue to a person who is not licensed to practice dentistry in this State and who is a graduate of a dental school, college, or institution approved by said Board, an intern permit authorizing such person to practice dentistry under the supervision or direction of a dentist duly licensed to practice in this State, subject to the following particular conditions:
(1) An intern permit shall be valid for no more than one year from the date the permit was issued. The Board may, in its discretion, renew the permit for not more than five additional one‑year periods. However, no person who has attempted and failed a Board‑approved written or clinical examination shall be granted an intern permit or intern permits embracing or covering an aggregate time span of more than 72 calendar months. An intern permit holder who has held an unrestricted dental license in a Board‑approved state or jurisdiction for the five years immediately preceding the issuance of an intern permit in this State may, in the Board's discretion, have the intern permit renewed for additional one‑year periods beyond 72 months if the intern permit holder's approved employing institution comes before the Board on the permit holder's behalf for each subsequent annual renewal;
(2) The holder of a valid intern permit may practice dentistry only under the supervision or direction of one or more dentists duly licensed to practice in this State;
(3) The holder of a valid intern permit may practice dentistry only (i) as an employee in a hospital, sanatorium, or a like institution which is licensed or approved by the State of North Carolina and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners; (ii) as an employee of a nonprofit health care facility serving low‑income populations and approved by the State Health Director or his designee and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners; or (iii) as an employee of the State of North Carolina or an agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other governmental entity within the State of North Carolina, when said employment is approved by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners;
(4) The holder of a valid intern permit shall receive no fee or fees or compensation of any kind or nature for dental services rendered by him other than such salary or compensation as might be paid to him by the entity specified in subdivision (3) above wherein or for which said services are rendered;
(5) The holder of a valid intern permit shall not, during the term of said permit or any renewal thereof, change the place of his internship without first securing the written approval of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners;
(6) The practice of dentistry by the holder of a valid intern permit shall be strictly limited to the confines of and to the registered patients of the hospital, sanatorium or institution to which he is attached or to the persons officially served by the governmental entity by whom he is employed;
(7) Any person seeking an intern permit shall first file with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners such papers and documents as are required by said Board, together with the application fee authorized by G.S. 90‑39. A fee authorized by G.S. 90‑39 shall be paid for any renewal of said intern permit. Such person shall further supply to the Board such other documents, materials or information as the Board may request;
(8) Any person seeking an intern permit or who is the holder of a valid intern permit shall comply with such limitations as the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may place or cause to be placed, in writing, upon such permit, and shall comply with such rules and regulations as the Board might promulgate relative to the issuance and maintenance of said permit in the practice of dentistry relative to the same;
(9) The holder of an intern permit shall be subject to the provisions of G.S. 90‑41. (1971, c. 755, s. 3; 1997‑481, s. 7; 2002‑37, s. 10; 2006‑41, s. 1.)
§ 90‑29.5. Instructor's license.
(a) The Board may issue an instructor's license to a person who is not otherwise licensed to practice dentistry in this State if the person meets both of the following conditions:
(1) Is licensed to practice dentistry anywhere in the United States or in any country, territory, or other recognized jurisdiction.
(2) Has met or been approved under the credentialing standards of a dental school or an academic medical center with which the person is to be affiliated; such dental school or academic medical center shall be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.
(b) The holder of an instructor's license may teach and practice dentistry:
(1) In or on behalf of a dental school or college offering a doctoral degree in dentistry operated and conducted in this State and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners;
(2) In connection with an academic medical center; and
(3) At any teaching hospital adjacent to a dental school or an academic medical center.
(c) Application for an instructor's license shall be made in accordance with the rules of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. On or after January 1, 2003, all dentists previously practicing under G.S. 90‑29(c)(3) shall be granted an instructor's license upon application to the Board and payment of the required fee. The holder of an instructor's license shall be subject to the provisions of this Article. (1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1195, s. 11; 2002‑37, s. 7.)
§ 90‑30. Examination and licensing of applicants; qualifications; causes for refusal to grant license; void licenses.
(a) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall grant licenses to practice dentistry to such applicants who are graduates of a reputable dental institution, who, in the opinion of a majority of the Board, shall undergo a satisfactory examination of proficiency in the knowledge and practice of dentistry, subject, however, to the further provisions of this section and of the provisions of this Article.
The applicant for a license to practice dentistry shall be of good moral character, at least 18 years of age at the time the application is filed. The application for a dental license shall be made to the Board in writing and shall be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is a person of good moral character, has an academic education, the standard of which shall be determined by the Board; that the applicant is a graduate of and has a diploma from a reputable dental college or the dental department of a reputable university or college recognized, accredited and approved as such by the Board; and that the applicant has passed a clinical licensing examination, the standard of which shall be determined by the Board.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners is authorized to conduct both written or oral and clinical examinations or to accept the results of other Board‑approved regional or national independent third‑party clinical examinations that shall include procedures performed on human subjects as part of the assessment of restorative clinical competencies and that are determined by the Board to be of such character as to thoroughly test the qualifications of the applicant, and may refuse to grant a license to any person who, in its discretion, is found deficient in the examination. The Board may refuse to grant a license to any person guilty of cheating, deception or fraud during the examination, or whose examination discloses to the satisfaction of the Board, a deficiency in academic or clinical education. The Board may employ such dentists found qualified therefor by the Board, in examining applicants for licenses as it deems appropriate.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may refuse to grant a license to any person guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude, or gross immorality, or to any person addicted to the use of alcoholic liquors or narcotic drugs to such an extent as, in the opinion of the Board, renders the applicant unfit to practice dentistry.
Any license obtained through fraud or by any false representation shall be void ab initio and of no effect.
(b) The Department of Public Safety may provide a criminal record check to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners for a person who has applied for a license through the Board. The Board shall provide to the Department of Public Safety, along with the request, the fingerprints of the applicant, any additional information required by the Department of Public Safety, and a form signed by the applicant consenting to the check of the criminal record and to the use of the fingerprints and other identifying information required by the State or national repositories. The applicant's fingerprints shall be forwarded to the State Bureau of Investigation for a search of the State's criminal history record file, and the State Bureau of Investigation shall forward a set of the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history check. The Board shall keep all information pursuant to this subsection privileged, in accordance with applicable State law and federal guidelines, and the information shall be confidential and shall not be a public record under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.
The Department of Public Safety may charge each applicant a fee for conducting the checks of criminal history records authorized by this subsection. (1935, c. 66, s. 7; 1971, c. 755, s. 4; 1981, c. 751, s. 5; 2002‑147, s. 7; 2005‑366, s. 1; 2014‑100, s. 17.1(o).)
§ 90‑30.1. Standards for general anesthesia and enteral and parenteral sedation; fees authorized.
The North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners may establish by regulation reasonable education, training, and equipment standards for safe administration and monitoring of general anesthesia and enteral and parenteral sedation for outpatients in the dental setting. Regulatory standards may include a permit process for general anesthesia and enteral and parenteral sedation by dentists. The requirements of any permit process adopted under the authority of this section shall include provisions that will allow a dentist to qualify for continued use of enteral sedation, if he or she is licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina and shows the Board that he or she has been utilizing enteral sedation in a competent manner for the five years preceding January 1, 2002, and his or her office facilities pass an on‑site examination and inspection by qualified representatives of the Board. For purposes of this section, oral premedication administered for minimal sedation (anxiolysis) shall not be included in the definition of enteral sedation. In order to provide the means of regulating general anesthesia and enteral and parenteral sedation, including examination and inspection of dental offices involved, the Board may charge and collect fees established by its rules for each permit application, each annual permit renewal, and each office inspection in an amount not to exceed the maximum fee amounts set forth in G.S. 90‑39. (1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1073; 1989, c. 648; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1066, s. 12(a); 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 584, s. 2; 2001‑511, s. 1.)
§ 90‑30.2. Teledentistry practice; definitions; requirements.
(a) The following definitions apply in this section:
(1) Authorized person. – An appropriate person with legal authority to make the health care treatment decision for a patient.
(2) Licensed dental hygienist. – An individual who holds a valid license to practice dental hygiene duly issued by the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners in accordance with Article 16 of this Chapter.
(3) Licensed dentist. – A person who holds a valid license to practice dentistry duly issued by the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners in accordance with this Article.
(4) Licensee. – A person who is a licensed dental hygienist or licensed dentist in this State.
(5) Practice of teledentistry. – The provision of dental services by use of any electronic or other digital means, as authorized in G.S. 90‑29(b)(11) and provided for in subsection (b) of this section.
(6) Supervision. – Acts are deemed to be under the supervision of a licensed dentist when performed pursuant to the licensed dentist's order, control, and approval and do not require the physical presence of the licensed dentist.
(b) Practice of Teledentistry Requirements. – For the purposes of this Article, the practice of teledentistry includes any of the following:
(1) Delivery of service. – Teledentistry services may be delivered by a licensed dentist or a licensed dental hygienist who is under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Licensees shall comply with all rules of professional conduct and applicable State and federal law relevant to licensed dentists and licensed dental hygienists when delivering teledentistry services.
(2) Encounter location. – The location of service is determined at the time teledentistry services are initiated, as follows:
a. When the service is between patient and provider, the location of the patient is the originating site, and the location of the provider is the distant site.
b. When the service is between providers, conducted for the purposes of consultation, the location of the provider initiating the consult is the originating site, and the location of the consulting provider is the distant site.
(3) Data. – Any licensee, patient, or authorized person may transmit data, electronic images, and related information as appropriate to provide teledentistry services to a patient.
(4) Patient care. – A licensee using teledentistry services in the provision of dental services to a patient shall take appropriate steps to establish the licensee‑patient relationship, conduct all appropriate evaluations and history of the patient, and provide access to comprehensive dental care where clinically indicated.
(5) Evaluations. – Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, patient evaluations may be conducted by a licensed dentist using teledentistry modalities.
(c) Informed Consent. – A licensee who provides or facilitates the use of teledentistry shall ensure that the informed consent of the patient or authorized person is obtained before services are provided through teledentistry. All informed consents shall be included in the patient's dental records. To obtain an informed consent, the licensee shall do all of the following:
(1) Confirm the identity of the requesting patient.
(2) Verify and authenticate the patient's health history.
(3) Disclose the licensee's identity, applicable credentials, and contact information, including a current phone number and mailing address of the licensee's practice.
(4) Obtain an appropriate informed consent from the requesting patient after disclosures have been made regarding the delivery models and treatment methods and limitations, including any special informed consents regarding the use of teledentistry services.
(5) In addition to other areas that must be discussed in traditional in‑person dental encounters with a patient before treatment, the informed consent shall inform the patient or authorized person and document acknowledgment of the risk and limitations of all of the following:
a. The use of electronic communications in the provision of care.
b. The potential for breach of confidentiality, or inadvertent access of protected health information using electronic and digital communication in the use of teledentistry.
c. The types of activities permitted using teledentistry services.
(6) Inform the patient or authorized person that it is the role of the licensed dentist to determine whether the condition being diagnosed or treated is appropriate for a teledentistry encounter.
(7) Obtain written consent from the patient or authorized person to forward patient‑identifiable information to a third party.
(8) Provide the patient and authorized person with contact information for the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners and a description of, or link to, the patient complaint process.
(d) Confidentiality. – The licensee shall ensure that any electronic and digital communication used in the practice of teledentistry is secure to maintain confidentiality of the patient's medical information as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and all other applicable laws and administrative regulations. Patients receiving services through teledentistry under this section are entitled to protection of their medical information no less stringent than the requirements that apply to patients receiving in‑person services.
(e) Patient Dental Records. – Records of teledentistry services provided to a patient or authorized person shall be held to the same record retention standards as records of traditional in‑person dental encounters. A patient record established during the use of teledentistry services shall be accessible to both the licensee and the patient or authorized person, consistent with all established State and federal laws and regulations governing patient health care records. In addition to other areas that must be included in traditional in‑person dental encounters, the licensee shall document or record in the patient dental record all of the following:
(1) The patient's presenting problem.
(2) The patient's diagnosis.
(3) The patient's treatment plan.
(4) A description of all services that were provided through teledentistry.
(f) Prescribing. – The indication, appropriateness, and safety considerations for each prescription for medication, laboratory services, or dental laboratory services provided through the use of teledentistry shall be evaluated by the licensed dentist in accordance with applicable law and current standards of care, including those for appropriate documentation. A licensed dentist's use of teledentistry carries the same professional accountability as a prescription issued in connection with an in‑person encounter. A licensed dentist who prescribes any type of analgesic or pain medication as part of the provision of teledentistry services shall comply with all applicable North Carolina Controlled Substance Reporting System requirements. (2021‑95, s. 1(b).)
§ 90‑31. Annual renewal of licenses.
The laws of North Carolina now in force, having provided for the annual renewal of any license issued by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, it is hereby declared to be the policy of this State, that all licenses heretofore issued by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners or hereafter issued by said Board are subject to annual renewal and the exercise of any privilege granted by any license heretofore issued or hereafter issued by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners is subject to the issuance on or before the first day of January of each year of a certificate of renewal of license.
On or before the first day of January of each year, each dentist engaged in the practice of dentistry in North Carolina shall make application to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners and receive from said Board, subject to the further provisions of this section and of this Article, a certificate of renewal of said license.
The application shall show the serial number of the applicant's license, his full name, address and the county in which he has practiced during the preceding year, the date of the original issuance of license to said applicant and such other information as the said Board from time to time may prescribe, at least six months prior to January 1 of any year.
If the application for such renewal certificate, accompanied by the fee required by this Article, is not received by the Board before January 31 of each year, an additional fee shall be charged for renewal certificate. The maximum penalty fee for late renewal is set forth in G.S. 90‑39. If such application, accompanied by the renewal fee, plus the additional fee, is not received by the Board before March 31 of each year, every person thereafter continuing to practice dentistry without having applied for a certificate of renewal shall be guilty of the unauthorized practice of dentistry and shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by G.S. 90‑40. (1935, c. 66, s. 8; 1953, c. 564, s. 5; 1961, c. 446, s. 6; 1971, c. 755, s. 5; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 584, s. 3.)
§ 90‑31.1. Continuing education courses required.
All dentists licensed under G.S. 90‑30 shall be required to attend Board‑approved courses of study in subjects relating to dentistry. The Board shall have authority to consider and approve courses, or providers of courses, to the end that those attending will gain (i) information on existing and new methods and procedures used by dentists, (ii) information leading to increased safety and competence in their dealings with patients and staff, and (iii) information on other matters, as they develop, that are of continuing importance to the practice of dentistry. The Board shall determine the number of hours of study within a particular period and the nature of course work required. The Board may provide exemptions or waivers from continuing education requirements where dentists are receiving alternate learning experiences or where they have limited practices. The Board shall by regulation define circumstances for exemptions or waivers for dentists who are involved in dental education or training pursuits where they gain experiences equivalent to formal continuing education courses, for those who have reached an advanced age and are semiretired or have otherwise voluntarily restricted their practices in volume and scope, and for such other situations as the Board in its discretion may determine meet the purposes of this section. (1993, c. 307, s. 1.)
§ 90‑32. Contents of original license.
The original license granted by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall bear a serial number, the full name of the applicant, the date of issuance and shall be signed by the president and the majority of the members of the said Board and attested by the seal of said Board and the secretary thereof. The certificate of renewal of license shall bear a serial number which need not be the serial number of the original license issued, the full name of the applicant and the date of issuance. (1935, c. 66, s. 8.)
§ 90‑33. Displaying license and current certificate of renewal.
The license and the current certificate of renewal of license to practice dentistry issued, as herein provided, shall at all times be displayed in a conspicuous place in the office of the holder thereof and whenever requested the license and the current certificate of renewal shall be exhibited to or produced before the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners or to its authorized agents. (1935, c. 66, s. 8.)
§ 90‑34. Refusal to grant renewal of license.
For nonpayment of fee or fees required by this Article, for failure to comply with continuing education requirements adopted by the Board under the authority of G.S. 90‑31.1, or for violation of any of the terms or provisions of G.S. 90‑41 concerning disciplinary actions, the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may refuse to issue a certificate for renewal of license. As used in this section, the term "license" includes license, provisional license or intern permit. (1935, c. 66, s. 8; 1971, c. 755, s. 6; 1993, c. 307, s. 2.)
When a person is a holder of a license to practice dentistry in North Carolina or the holder of a certificate of renewal of license, he may make application to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners for the issuance of a copy or a duplicate thereof accompanied by a fee that shall not exceed the maximum fee for a duplicate license or certificate set forth in G.S. 90‑39. Upon the filing of the application and the payment of the fee, the said Board shall issue a copy or duplicate. (1935, c. 66, s. 8; 1961, c. 446, s. 7; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 584, s. 4.)
§ 90‑36. Licensing practitioners of other states.
(a) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may issue a license by credentials to an applicant who has been licensed to practice dentistry in any state or territory of the United States if the applicant produces satisfactory evidence to the Board that the applicant has the required education, training, and qualifications, is in good standing with the licensing jurisdiction, has passed satisfactory examinations of proficiency in the knowledge and practice of dentistry as determined by the Board, and meets all other requirements of this section and rules adopted by the Board. The Board may conduct examinations and interviews to test the qualifications of the applicant and may require additional information that would affect the applicant's ability to render competent dental care. The Board may, in its discretion, refuse to issue a license by credentials to an applicant who the Board determines is unfit to practice dentistry.
(a1) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall issue a license by credentials to any dentist who applies for a license by credentials and who holds a current license and is in good standing with the licensing jurisdiction in one of the four states that border North Carolina provided that the dental board of the border state will also issue a license by credentials to a dentist having a license to practice in North Carolina. The requirements of subsections (b), (c) and (d) of this section shall apply to any dentist who applies for a license by credentials from a border state in accordance with this subsection.
(b) The applicant for licensure by credentials shall be of good moral character and shall have graduated from and have a DDS or DMD degree from a program of dentistry in a school or college accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved by the Board.
(b1) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall issue a license by credentials to any dentist who applies for a license by credentials, who possesses good moral character, and who meets either of the following criteria:
(1) Holds a current Instructor's License pursuant to G.S. 90‑29.5.
(2) Has graduated with a general dental degree from any school or college and has graduated from an advanced dental education program with either a certificate or a degree from a school or college accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved by the Board.
Any applicant who applies for a license by credentials in accordance with subdivision (b1)(2) of this section shall meet the requirements of subsections (c) and (d) of this section and shall have passed satisfactory examinations of proficiency in the knowledge and practice of dentistry as set out in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The applicant must meet all of the following conditions:
(1) Has been actively practicing dentistry, as defined in G.S. 90‑29(b)(1) through (b)(9), for a minimum of five years immediately preceding the date of application.
(2) Has not been the subject of final or pending disciplinary action in the Armed Forces of the United States, in any state or territory in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed to practice dentistry, or in any state or territory in which the applicant has held any other professional license.
(3) Presents evidence that the applicant has no felony convictions and that the applicant has no other criminal convictions that would affect the applicant's ability to render competent dental care.
(4) Has not failed an examination conducted by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.
(d) The applicant for licensure by credentials shall submit an application to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, the form of which shall be determined by the Board, pay the fee required by G.S. 90‑39, successfully complete examinations in Jurisprudence and Sterilization and Infection Control, and meet the criteria or requirements established by the Board.
(e) Repealed by Session Laws 2018‑88, s. 6(b), effective October 1, 2018. (1935, c. 66, s. 9; 1971, c. 755, s. 7; 1981, c. 751, s. 6; 2002‑37, s. 2; 2009‑289, s. 1; 2011‑183, s. 58; 2018‑88, s. 6(b); 2021‑95, s. 4.)
§ 90‑37. Certificate issued to dentist moving out of State.
Any dentist duly licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, desiring to move from North Carolina to another state, territory or foreign country, if a holder of a certificate of renewal of license from said Board, upon application to said Board and the payment to it of the fee in this Article provided, shall be issued a certificate showing his full name and address, the date of license originally issued to him, the date and number of his renewal of license, and whether any charges have been filed with the Board against him. The Board may provide forms for such certificate, requiring such additional information as it may determine proper. (1935, c. 66, s. 10.)
§ 90‑37.1. Limited volunteer dental license.
(a) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may issue to an applicant a "Limited Volunteer Dental License" to practice dentistry only in nonprofit health care facilities serving low‑income populations in the State. Holders of a limited volunteer dental license may volunteer their professional services, without compensation, only for the purpose of helping to meet the dental health needs of these persons served by these facilities. The Board may issue a limited license to an applicant under this section who:
(1) Has an out‑of‑state current or expired license, or an expired license in this State, or is authorized to treat veterans of or personnel serving in the Armed Forces of the United States; and
(2) Has actively practiced dentistry, as defined in G.S. 90‑29(b)(1) through (b)(9), within the past five years.
(b) The limited license may be issued to an applicant who produces satisfactory evidence to the Board that the applicant has the required education, training, and qualifications; is in good standing with the licensing jurisdiction; has passed satisfactory examinations of proficiency in the knowledge and practice of dentistry as determined by the Board; and meets all other requirements of this section and rules adopted by the Board. The Board may conduct examinations and interviews to test the qualifications of the applicant and may require additional information that would affect the applicant's ability to render competent dental care. The Board may, in its discretion, refuse to issue a "limited volunteer dental license" to an applicant who the Board determines is unfit to practice dentistry.
(c) The applicant shall be of good moral character and shall have graduated from and have a DDS or DMD degree from a program of dentistry in a school or college accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved by the Board.
(d) The applicant shall meet all of the following conditions:
(1) Show that the applicant has actively practiced dentistry, as defined in G.S. 90‑29(b)(1) through (b)(9), for a minimum of five years.
(2) Show that the applicant has not been the subject of final or pending disciplinary action in any state in which the applicant has ever been licensed to practice dentistry or in any state in which the applicant has held any other professional license.
(3) Present evidence that the applicant has no felony convictions and that the applicant has no other criminal convictions that would affect the applicant's ability to render competent care.
(4) Present evidence that the applicant has no pending Veterans Administration or military disciplinary actions or any history of such disciplinary action.
(5) Show that the applicant has not failed an examination conducted by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.
(e) The applicant shall submit an application, the form of which shall be determined by the Board, pay the fee required under G.S. 90‑39, and successfully complete examinations in Jurisprudence and Sterilization and Infection Control. The Board may charge and collect fees for license application and annual renewal as required under G.S. 90‑39, except that credentialing fees applicable under G.S. 90‑39(13) are waived for holders of a limited volunteer dental license.
(f) Holders of a limited volunteer dental license shall comply with the continuing dental education requirements adopted by the Board including CPR training.
(g) The holder of a limited license under this section who practices dentistry other than as authorized in this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor with each day's violation constituting a separate offense. Upon proof of practice other than as authorized in this section, the Board may suspend or revoke the limited license after notice to the licensee. For violations of the dental practice act or rules adopted under the act that are applicable to a limited license practice, the Board has the same authority to investigate and impose sanctions on limited license holders as it has for those holding an unlimited license.
(h) The Board shall maintain a nonexclusive list of nonprofit health care facilities serving the dental health needs of low‑income populations in the State. Upon request, the Board shall consider adding other facilities to the list.
(i) The Board may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes to implement this section. (2002‑37, s. 4; 2011‑183, s. 59.)
§ 90‑37.2. Temporary permits for volunteer dentists.
(a) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may issue to a person who is not licensed to practice dentistry in this State and who is a graduate of a Board‑approved dental school, college, or institution a temporary volunteer permit authorizing such person to practice dentistry under the supervision or direction of a dentist duly licensed in this State. A temporary volunteer permit shall be issued only to those dentists who are licensed in another Board‑approved state or jurisdiction, have never been subject to discipline, and have passed a patient‑based clinical examination substantially similar to the clinical examination offered in this State. The issuance of a temporary volunteer permit is subject to the following conditions:
(1) A temporary volunteer permit shall be valid no more than one year from the date of issue; provided, however, that the Board may renew the permit for additional one‑year periods.
(2) The holder of a temporary volunteer permit may practice only under the supervision or direction of one or more dentists duly licensed to practice in this State.
(3) The holder of a temporary volunteer permit may practice dentistry only: (i) as a volunteer in a hospital, sanatorium, temporary clinic, or like institution which is licensed or approved by the State of North Carolina and approved by the Board; (ii) as a volunteer for a nonprofit health care facility serving low‑income populations and approved by the State Health Director or his designee or approved by the Board; or (iii) as a volunteer for the State of North Carolina or an agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other governmental entity within the State of North Carolina, when such service is approved by the Board.
(4) The holder of a temporary volunteer permit shall receive no fee or monetary compensation of any kind or nature for any dental service performed.
(5) The practice of dentistry by the holder of a temporary volunteer permit shall be strictly limited to the confines of and to the registered patients of the hospital, sanatorium, temporary clinic, or approved nonprofit health care facilities for which he is working or to the patients officially served by the governmental entity to which he is offering his volunteer services.
(6) The holder of a temporary volunteer permit shall be subject to discipline by the Board for those actions constituting the practice of dentistry by G.S. 90‑29 occurring while practicing in this State.
(7) Any person seeking a temporary volunteer permit must file with the Board such proof as is required by the Board to determine if the applicant has a valid unrestricted dental license in another state or jurisdiction, has not been subject to discipline by any licensing board, has a proven record of clinical safety and is otherwise qualified to practice dentistry in this State.
(8) There shall be no fee associated with the issuance of a temporary volunteer permit for the practice of dentistry.
(b) The Board is authorized to make rules consistent with this section to regulate the practice of dentistry for those issued a temporary volunteer permit. (2007‑346, s. 27.)
§ 90‑38. Licensing former dentists who have moved back into State or resumed practice.
Any person who shall have been licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners to practice dentistry in this State who shall have retired from practice or who shall have moved from the State and shall have returned to the State, may, upon a satisfactory showing to said Board of his proficiency in the profession of dentistry and his good moral character during the period of his retirement, be granted by said Board a license to resume the practice of dentistry upon making application to the said Board in such form as it may require. The license to resume practice, after issuance thereof, shall be subject to all the provisions of this Article. (1935, c. 66, s. 11; 1953, c. 564, s. 2.)
§ 90‑39. Fees.
In order to provide the means of carrying out and enforcing the provisions of this Article and the duties devolving upon the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, it is authorized to charge and collect fees established by its rules not exceeding the following:
(1) Each application for general dentistry license $1,200
(2) Each general dentistry license renewal, which fee shall be annually fixed by the Board and not later than November 30 of each year it shall give written notice of the amount of the renewal fee to each dentist licensed to practice in this State by mailing such notice to the last address of record with the Board of each such dentist 600.00
(2a) Penalty for late renewal of any license or permit 100.00
(3) Each provisional license 300.00
(4) Each intern permit or renewal thereof 500.00
(5) Each certificate of license to a resident dentist desiring to change to another state or territory 75.00
(6) Repealed by Session Laws 1995, (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 584, s. 1.
(7) Each license to resume the practice issued to a dentist who has retired from and returned to this State 500.00
(8) Each instructor's license or renewal thereof 500.00
(9) With each renewal of a dentistry license, an annual fee to help fund special peer review organizations for impaired dentists 100.00
(10) Each duplicate of any license, permit, or certificate issued by the Board 75.00
(11) Each office inspection for general anesthesia and parenteral sedation permits 750.00
(12) Each general anesthesia and parenteral sedation permit application or renewal of permit 100.00
(13) Each application for license by credentials 3,000.00
(14) Each application for limited volunteer dental license 200.00
(15) Each limited volunteer dental license annual renewal 50.00.
(1935, c. 66, s. 12; 1953, c. 564, s. 1; 1961, c. 446, s. 8; 1965, c. 163, s. 3; 1971, c. 755, s. 8; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1195, s. 12; 1987, c. 555, s. 1; 1993, c. 420, s. 1; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 584, s. 1; 2002‑37, s. 5; 2003‑348, s. 1; 2005‑366, s. 2.)
§ 90‑40. Unauthorized practice; penalty.
If any person shall practice or attempt to practice dentistry in this State without first having passed the examination and obtained a license from the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners or having obtained a provisional license from said Board; or if he shall practice dentistry after March 31 of each year without applying for a certificate of renewal of license, as provided in G.S. 90‑31; or shall practice or attempt to practice dentistry while his license is revoked, or suspended, or when a certificate of renewal of license has been refused; or shall violate any of the provisions of this Article for which no specific penalty has been provided; or shall practice or attempt to practice, dentistry in violation of the provisions of this Article; or shall practice dentistry under any name other than his own name, said person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each day's violation of this Article shall constitute a separate offense. (1935, c. 66, s. 13; 1953, c. 564, s. 6; 1957, c. 592, s. 4; 1965, c. 163, s. 6; 1969, c. 804, s. 2; 1993, c. 539, s. 619; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
§ 90‑40.1. Enjoining unlawful acts.
(a) The practice of dentistry by any person who has not been duly licensed so as to practice or whose license has been suspended or revoked, or the doing, committing or continuing of any of the acts prohibited by this Article by any person or persons, whether licensed dentists or not, is hereby declared to be inimical to public health and welfare and to constitute a public nuisance. The Attorney General for the State of North Carolina, the district attorney of any of the superior courts, the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners in its own name, or any resident citizen may maintain an action in the name of the State of North Carolina to perpetually enjoin any person from so unlawfully practicing dentistry and from the doing, committing or continuing of such unlawful act. This proceeding shall be in addition to and not in lieu of criminal prosecutions or proceedings to revoke or suspend licenses as authorized by this Article.
(b) In an action brought under this section the final judgment, if in favor of the plaintiff, shall perpetually restrain the defendant or defendants from the commission or continuance of the act or acts complained of. A temporary injunction to restrain the commission or continuance thereof may be granted upon proof or by affidavit that the defendant or defendants have violated any of the laws or statutes applicable to unauthorized or unlawful practice of dentistry. The provisions of the statutes or rules relating generally to injunctions as provisional remedies in actions shall apply to such a temporary injunction and the proceedings thereunder.
(c) The venue for actions brought under this section shall be the superior court of any county in which such acts constituting unlicensed or unlawful practice of dentistry are alleged to have been committed or in which there appear reasonable grounds to believe that they will be committed, in the county where the defendants in such action reside, or in Wake County.
(d) The plaintiff in such action shall be entitled to examination of the adverse party and witnesses before filing complaint and before trial in the same manner as provided by law for the examination of the parties. (1957, c. 592, s. 5; 1973, c. 47, s. 2; 2012‑195, s. 2.)
§ 90‑40.2. Management arrangements.
(a) The following definitions apply in this section:
(1) Ancillary personnel. — Dental hygienists or dental assistants who assist licensed dentists in providing direct patient care.
(2) Clinical. — Of or relating to the activities of a dentist as described in G.S. 90‑29(b)(1)‑(10).
(3) Management arrangement. — Any one or more agreements or arrangements, alone or together, whether written or oral, between a management company and a dentist or professional entity whereby the management company provides services to assist in the development, promotion, delivery, financing, support, or administration of the dentist's or professional entity's dental practice.
(4) Management company. — Any individual, business corporation, nonprofit corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, or other legal entity that is not a professional entity or dentist which provides through one or more contractual arrangements any combination of management or business support services, including, but not limited to, accounting and financial services; collection, billing, and payment services; file and records maintenance; human resources services; assistance with the acquisition of fixed assets, including the locating and procurement of office space, facilities, and equipment; maintenance of offices, equipment, furniture, and fixtures; marketing and practice development; information technology; compliance with applicable federal, State, and local laws; and clerical services.
(5) Professional entity. — A professional corporation, nonprofit corporation, partnership, professional limited liability company, professional limited partnership, or other entity or aggregation of individuals that is licensed or certified or otherwise explicitly permitted to practice dentistry under North Carolina General Statutes.
(6) Unlicensed person. — Any person or entity other than a dentist licensed in this State or registered professional entity authorized to provide dental services under this Article.
(b) A management arrangement executed on or after January 1, 2013, is invalid unless there appears on the instrument evidencing, directly above or below the space or spaces provided for the signature of the parties, in such type size or distinctive marking that it appears more clearly and conspicuously than anything else on the document:
"WARNING – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THIS CONTRACT REVIEWED BY YOUR OWN LEGAL COUNSEL PRIOR TO SIGNING."
(c) No member of the Board shall be subject to examination in connection with any investigation, inquiry, or interview related to the Board's review of any management arrangement.
(d) For actions brought under G.S. 90‑40.1, the venue shall be the superior court of any county in which acts constituting unlicensed or unlawful practice of dentistry are alleged to have been committed or in which there appear reasonable grounds to believe that they will be committed, in the county where at least one defendant in the action resides, or in Wake County.
(e) If investigative information in the possession of the Board, its employees, or agents indicates that a crime may have been committed, the Board may report the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency or district attorney of the district in which the offense was committed.
(f) The Board shall cooperate with and assist law enforcement agencies and the district attorney conducting a criminal investigation or prosecution of a licensee or person engaged in the unauthorized practice of dentistry, including a management company, by providing information that is relevant to the criminal investigation or prosecution to the investigating agency or district attorney. Information disclosed by the Board to an investigative agency or district attorney remains confidential and may not be disclosed by the investigating agency except as necessary to further the investigation.
(g) Nothing in this section shall affect the validity of any of the Board's rules or regulations which were in effect as of the effective date of this section, except to the extent that such rules or regulations directly conflict with the provisions of this section. (2012‑195, s. 1.)
§ 90‑41. Disciplinary action.
(a) The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall have the power and authority to (i) Refuse to issue a license to practice dentistry; (ii) Refuse to issue a certificate of renewal of a license to practice dentistry; (iii) Revoke or suspend a license to practice dentistry; and (iv) Invoke such other disciplinary measures, censure, or probative terms against a licensee as it deems fit and proper;
in any instance or instances in which the Board is satisfied that such applicant or licensee:
(1) Has engaged in any act or acts of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license or the renewal thereof;
(2) Is a chronic or persistent user of intoxicants, drugs or narcotics to the extent that the same impairs his ability to practice dentistry;
(3) Has been convicted of any of the criminal provisions of this Article or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any charge or charges arising therefrom;
(4) Has been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude;
(5) Has been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any charge of violation of any state or federal narcotic or barbiturate law;
(6) Has engaged in any act or practice violative of any of the provisions of this Article or violative of any of the rules and regulations promulgated and adopted by the Board, or has aided, abetted or assisted any other person or entity in the violation of the same;
(7) Is mentally, emotionally, or physically unfit to practice dentistry or is afflicted with such a physical or mental disability as to be deemed dangerous to the health and welfare of his patients. An adjudication of mental incompetency in a court of competent jurisdiction or a determination thereof by other lawful means shall be conclusive proof of unfitness to practice dentistry unless or until such person shall have been subsequently lawfully declared to be mentally competent;
(8) Has conducted in‑person solicitation of professional patronage or has employed or procured any person to conduct such solicitation by personal contact with potential patients, except to the extent that informal advice may be permitted by regulations issued by the Board of Dental Examiners;
(9) Has permitted the use of his name, diploma or license by another person either in the illegal practice of dentistry or in attempting to fraudulently obtain a license to practice dentistry;
(10) Has engaged in such immoral conduct as to discredit the dental profession;
(11) Has obtained or collected or attempted to obtain or collect any fee through fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit;
(12) Has been negligent in the practice of dentistry;
(13) Has employed a person not licensed in this State to do or perform any act or service, or has aided, abetted or assisted any such unlicensed person to do or perform any act or service which under this Article or under Article 16 of this Chapter, can lawfully be done or performed only by a dentist or a dental hygienist licensed in this State;
(14) Is incompetent in the practice of dentistry;
(15) Has practiced any fraud, deceit or misrepresentation upon the public or upon any individual in an effort to acquire or retain any patient or patients;
(16) Has made fraudulent or misleading statements pertaining to his skill, knowledge, or method of treatment or practice;
(17) Has committed any fraudulent or misleading acts in the practice of dentistry;
(18) Has, directly or indirectly, published or caused to be published or disseminated any advertisement for professional patronage or business which is untruthful, fraudulent, misleading, or in any way inconsistent with rules and regulations issued by the Board of Dental Examiners governing the time, place, or manner of such advertisements;
(19) Has, in the practice of dentistry, committed an act or acts constituting malpractice;
(20) Repealed by Session Laws 1981, c. 751, s. 7.
(21) Has permitted a dental hygienist or a dental assistant in his employ or under his supervision to do or perform any act or acts violative of this Article, or of Article 16 of this Chapter, or of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Board;
(22) Has wrongfully or fraudulently or falsely held himself out to be or represented himself to be qualified as a specialist in any branch of dentistry;
(23) Has persistently maintained, in the practice of dentistry, unsanitary offices, practices, or techniques;
(24) Is a menace to the public health by reason of having a serious communicable disease;
(25) Has distributed or caused to be distributed any intoxicant, drug or narcotic for any other than a lawful purpose;
(26) Has engaged in any unprofessional conduct as the same may be, from time to time, defined by the rules and regulations of the Board;
(27) Has allowed fee‑splitting for the use of teledentistry services; or
(28) Has limited, in any way, a patient's right or ability to raise grievances or file complaints with any appropriate oversight body, including the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, the North Carolina Department of Justice, Division of Medicaid Investigations, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits, Office of Compliance and Program Integrity.
(b) If any person engages in or attempts to engage in the practice of dentistry while his license is suspended, his license to practice dentistry in the State of North Carolina may be permanently revoked.
(c) The Board may, on its own motion, initiate the appropriate legal proceedings against any person, firm or corporation when it is made to appear to the Board that such person, firm or corporation has violated any of the provisions of this Article or of Article 16.
(d) The Board may appoint, employ or retain an investigator or investigators for the purpose of examining or inquiring into any practices committed in this State that might violate any of the provisions of this Article or of Article 16 or any of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Board.
(e) The Board may employ or retain legal counsel for such matters and purposes as may seem fit and proper to said Board.
(f) As used in this section the term "licensee" includes licensees, provisional licensees and holders of intern permits, and the term "license" includes license, provisional license, instructor's license, and intern permit.
(g) Records, papers, and other documents containing information collected or compiled by the Board, or its members or employees, as a result of investigations, inquiries, or interviews conducted in connection with a licensing or disciplinary matter, shall not be considered public records within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes; provided, however, that any notice or statement of charges against any licensee, or any notice to any licensee of a hearing in any proceeding, shall be a public record within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, notwithstanding that it may contain information collected and compiled as a result of any investigation, inquiry, or interview; and provided, further, that if any record, paper, or other document containing information collected and compiled by the Board is received and admitted into evidence in any hearing before the Board, it shall then be a public record within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. (1935, c. 66, s. 14; 1957, c. 592, s. 7; 1965, c. 163, s. 4; 1967, c. 451, s. 1; 1971, c. 755, s. 9; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1195, ss. 7, 8; 1981, c. 751, s. 7; 1989, c. 442; 1997‑456, s. 27; 2002‑37, s. 9; 2021‑95, s. 1(c).)
(a) With the exception of applicants for license by comity and applicants for reinstatement after revocation, every licensee, provisional licensee, intern, or applicant for license, shall be afforded notice and opportunity to be heard before the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall take any action, the effect of which would be:
(1) To deny permission to take an examination for licensing for which application has been duly made; or
(2) To deny a license after examination for any cause other than failure to pass an examination; or
(3) To withhold the renewal of a license for any cause other than failure to pay a statutory renewal fee; or
(4) To suspend a license; or
(5) To revoke a license; or
(6) To revoke or suspend a provisional license or an intern permit; or
(7) To invoke any other disciplinary measures, censure, or probative terms against a licensee, a provisional licensee, or an intern,
such proceedings to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes of North Carolina.
(b) In lieu of or as a part of such hearing and subsequent proceedings, the Board is authorized and empowered to enter any consent order relative to the discipline, censure, or probation of a licensee, provisional licensee, an intern, or an applicant for a license, or relative to the revocation or suspension of a license, provisional license, or intern permit.
(c) Following the service of the notice of hearing as required by Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, the Board and the person upon whom such notice is served shall have the right to conduct adverse examinations, take depositions, and engage in such further discovery proceedings as are permitted by the laws of this State in civil matters. The Board is hereby authorized and empowered to issue such orders, commissions, notices, subpoenas, or other process as might be necessary or proper to effect the purposes of this subsection; provided, however, that no member of the Board shall be subject to examination hereunder. (1967, c. 451, s. 2; 1969, c. 804, s. 3; 1971, c. 755, s. 10; 1973, c. 1331, s. 3; 1987, c. 827, s. 1.)
§ 90‑42. Restoration of revoked license.
Whenever any dentist has been deprived of his license, the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, in its discretion, may restore said license upon due notice being given and hearing had, and satisfactory evidence produced of proper reformation of the licentiate, before restoration. (1935, c. 66, s. 14.)
§ 90‑43. Compensation and expenses of Board.
Notwithstanding G.S. 93B‑5(a), each member of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners shall receive as compensation for his services in the performance of his duties under this Article a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each day actually engaged in the performance of the duties of his office, said per diem to be fixed by said Board, and all legitimate and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings of the said Board.
The Board is authorized and empowered to expend from funds collected hereunder such additional sum or sums as it may determine necessary in the administration and enforcement of this Article, and employ such personnel as it may deem requisite to assist in carrying out the administrative functions required by this Article and by the Board. (1935, c. 66, s. 15; 1965, c. 163, s. 5; 1971, c. 755, s. 11; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1195, s. 9; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 892.)
§ 90‑44. Annual report of Board.
Said Board shall, on or before the fifteenth day of February in each year, make an annual report as of the thirty‑first day of December of the year preceding, of its proceedings, showing therein the examinations given, the fees received, the expenses incurred, the hearings conducted and the result thereof, which said report shall be filed with the Governor of the State of North Carolina. (1935, c. 66, s. 15.)
§ 90‑45. Repealed by Session Laws 1967, c. 218, s. 4.
§ 90‑46. Filling prescriptions.
Legally licensed druggists of this State may fill prescriptions of dentists duly licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. (1935, c. 66, s. 17.)
§ 90‑47. Repealed by Session Laws 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1195, s. 13.
§ 90‑48. Rules of Board; certain information to be made available.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners is vested, as an agency of the State, with the power to adopt rules governing the practice of dentistry within the State, so long as the rules are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article. Chapter 150B of the General Statutes governs the adoption of rules by the Board.
The Board shall make this Article, the Board rules, and, upon written request by a licensed dentist, a directory of dentists available to each licensed dentist. (1935, c. 66, s. 19; 1957, c. 592, s. 6; 1971, c. 755, s. 12; 1993, c. 539, s. 620; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2021‑84, s. 6.)
§ 90‑48.1. Free choice by patient guaranteed.
No agency of the State, county or municipality, nor any commission or clinic, nor any board administering relief, social security, health insurance or health service under the laws of the State of North Carolina shall deny to the recipients or beneficiaries of their aid or services the freedom to choose a duly licensed dentist as the provider of care or services which are within the scope of practice of the profession of dentistry as defined in this Chapter. (1965, c. 1169, s. 3.)
§ 90‑48.2. Board agreements with special peer review organizations for impaired dentists.
(a) The State Board of Dental Examiners may, under rules adopted by the Board in compliance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, enter into agreements with special impaired dentist peer review organizations formed by the North Carolina Dental Society. The organizations shall be made up of Dental Society members designated by the Society, the Board, the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, and the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. Peer review activities to be covered by such agreements shall include investigation, review and evaluation of records, reports, complaints, litigation, and other information about the practices and practice patterns of dentists licensed by the Board, as such matters may relate to impaired dentists. Special impaired dentist peer review organizations may include a statewide supervisory committee and various regional and local components or subgroups. The statewide supervisory committee shall consist of representatives from the North Carolina Dental Society, the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, and the Board. When the statewide supervisory committee considers activities and programs that relate to impaired dental hygienists pursuant to G.S. 90‑48.3, its membership shall be expanded to include two dental hygienists appointed upon the recommendation of the dental hygienist member of the Board.
(b) Agreements authorized under this section shall include provisions for the impaired dentist peer review organizations to receive relevant information from the Board and other sources, conduct any investigation, review, and evaluation in an expeditious manner, provide assurance of confidentiality of nonpublic information and of the peer review process, make reports of investigations and evaluations to the Board, and to do other related activities for operating and promoting a coordinated and effective peer review process. The agreements shall include provisions assuring basic due process for dentists that become involved.
(c) The impaired dentist peer review organizations that enter into agreements with the Board shall establish and maintain a program for impaired dentists licensed by the Board for the purpose of identifying, reviewing and evaluating the ability of those dentists to function as dentists, and to provide programs for treatment and rehabilitation. The Board may provide funds for the administration of these impaired dentist peer review programs. The Board shall adopt rules to apply to the operation of impaired dentist peer review programs, with provisions for: definitions of impairment; guidelines for program elements; procedures for receipt and use of information of suspected impairment; procedures for intervention and referral; arrangements for monitoring treatment, rehabilitation, posttreatment support and performance; reports of individual cases to the Board; periodic reporting of statistical information; and assurance of confidentiality of nonpublic information and of the peer review process.
(d) Upon investigation and review of a dentist licensed by the Board, or upon receipt of a complaint or other information, an impaired dentist peer review organization that enters into a peer review agreement with the Board shall report immediately to the Board detailed information about any dentist licensed by the Board, if:
(1) The dentist constitutes an imminent danger to the public or himself;
(2) The dentist refuses to cooperate with the program, refuses to submit to treatment, or is still impaired after treatment and exhibits professional incompetence; or
(3) It reasonably appears that there are other grounds for disciplinary action.
(e) Impaired dentist peer review organizations operating pursuant to this section shall have the same protections and responsibilities as traditional State and local dental society peer review committees under Article 2A of this Chapter. In addition, any confidential patient information and other nonpublic information acquired, created, or used in good faith by an impaired dentist peer review organization pursuant to this section shall remain confidential and shall not be subject to discovery or subpoena in a civil case. No person participating in good faith in an impaired dentist peer review program developed under this section shall be required in a civil case to disclose any information (including opinions, recommendations, or evaluations) acquired or developed solely in the course of participating in the program.
(f) Impaired dentist peer review activities conducted in good faith pursuant to any program developed under this section shall not be grounds for civil action under the laws of this State, and the activities are deemed to be State directed and sanctioned and shall constitute "State action" for the purposes of application of antitrust laws. (1993, c. 420, s. 2; 1999‑382, s. 4; 2021‑95, s. 5.)
§ 90‑48.3. Board authority to include impaired dental hygienists in programs developed for impaired dentists.
The Board may enter into agreements with special impaired dentist peer review organizations to include programs for impaired dental hygienists, and the provisions of G.S. 90‑48.2 shall apply to any such agreements and programs. Special impaired dentist peer review organizations shall have the authority to appoint to the organizations, upon the recommendation of the dental hygienist member of the Board, one additional member who is a licensed dental hygienist and the member shall participate in activities and programs as they relate to impaired dental hygienists. Peer liaisons and volunteers participating in programs for impaired dental hygienists shall be dental hygienists. Dental hygienists who work with special impaired dentist peer review organizations in conducting programs for impaired dental hygienists shall have the same protections and responsibilities as members of traditional State and local dental society peer review committees under Article 2A of this Chapter and as provided in G.S. 90‑48.2. The provisions of G.S. 90‑48.2 regarding confidentiality shall also be applicable to all dental hygienist activities authorized under this section. (1999‑382, s. 1.)
§§ 90‑48.4 through 90‑48.6. Reserved for future codification purposes.