The practice of dentistry and dental hygiene in this state is 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 dentists and dental hygienists be permitted to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in this state. It is the purpose of this article 220 to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene and to ensure that no one shall practice dentistry or dental hygiene without qualifying under this article 220. The provisions of this article 220 relating to licensure by credentials are not intended to reduce competition or restrain trade with respect to the oral health needs of the public. All provisions of this article 220 relating to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene shall be liberally construed to carry out these objects and purposes.
Source: L. 2020: Entire article amended with relocations, (HB 20-1056), ch. 64, p. 219, § 1, effective September 14.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-220-102 as it existed prior to 2020.