September 11, 2009

Dentistry Bill Signed Into Law

HB 135 will help hospital dental programs attract highly qualified chairs

DOVER – Governor Jack A. Markell signed legislation Wednesday that will help hospital dental programs attract highly qualified chairs.
 
Sponsored by Rep. S. Quinton “Quinn” Johnson IV, D-Middletown, House Bill 135 would permit the State Board of Dental Examiners to grant a limited license to a director or chair of hospital dental or hospital oral and maxillofacial surgery residency department and its associated residency programs. The bill would allow Delaware hospitals to attract nationally recognized and uniquely qualified dentists to chair or direct these residency programs. The limited license would only apply hospitals or an associated institution.
 
Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington offers a residency program for oral and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry.
 
“We already have a nationally accredited program at Christiana Care,” Rep. Johnson said. “This legislation would enable them to attract some nationally recognized dentists to chair these programs. It’s also hoped that they would be able to expand these programs through these new chairs to Kent and Sussex counties.”
 
Rep. Johnson noted that the law has the backing of the Delaware Dental Society and members of Christiana Care’s residency program.