(1) (a) The Colorado dental board is hereby created as the agency of this state for the regulation of the practice of dentistry in this state and to carry out the purposes of this article 220. The board is subject to the supervision and control of the division as provided by section 12-20-103 (2).
The board consists of seven dentist members, three dental hygienist members, andthree members from the public at large. The governor shall appoint each member for a term of four years, and each member must have the qualifications provided in this article 220. No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms of four years. Each board member holds office until the member's term expires or until the governor appoints a successor.
In making appointments to the board, the governor shall attempt to create geographical, political, urban, and rural balance among the board members. If a vacancy occurs in any board membership before the expiration of the member's term, the governor shall fill the vacancy by appointment for the remainder of the term in the same manner as in the case of original appointments.
The governor may remove any member of the board for misconduct, incompetence,or neglect of duty.
(2) A person is qualified to be appointed to the board if the person:
Is a legal resident of Colorado;
Is currently licensed as a dentist or dental hygienist, if fulfilling that position on theboard; and
Has been actively engaged in a clinical practice in this state for at least five yearsimmediately preceding the appointment, if fulfilling the position of dentist or dental hygienist on the board.
The board shall organize annually by electing one of its members as chairperson andone as vice-chairperson. The board may adopt rules for its government that the board deems proper. The board shall meet at least quarterly, and more often if necessary, at times and places the board designates.
A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction ofbusiness, but if less than a quorum is present on the day appointed for a meeting, those present may adjourn until a quorum is present. Any action taken by a quorum of the assigned panel constitutes action by the board; except that, for disciplinary matters concerning a dentist, a majority of dentist members is required for a quorum.
(a) Before the repeal of this article 220 pursuant to subsection (5)(b) of this section, all functions of the board are scheduled for review in accordance with section 24-34-104. (b) This article 220 is repealed, effective September 1, 2025.
Source: L. 2020: Entire article amended with relocations, (HB 20-1056), ch. 64, p. 222, § 1, effective September 14.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-220-105 as it existed prior to 2020.