Archives > 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws - Previous Versions > 2001 Session > Title 40

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SECTION 40-15-10. State Board of Dentistry created.

The practice of dentistry and dental hygiene and the performance of dental technological work, as hereinafter defined, shall be under the supervision of a board to be known as the South Carolina State Board of Dentistry. The term "Board" as used in this chapter shall mean the South Carolina State Board of Dentistry unless otherwise specified.

SECTION 40-15-20. Membership of Board; appointment, terms, elections, vacancies and removal.

There is created the State Board of Dentistry (board) to be composed of nine members, one of whom shall be a lay member from the State at large, one of whom shall be a dentist from the State at large, one of whom shall be a dental hygienist from the State at large, and six of whom shall be dentists representing each of six Congressional Districts.

Dentists shall be licensed, practicing dentists and residents of the State and of the Congressional District which they represent. The dental hygienist shall be a licensed, practicing dental hygienist and resident of the State.

The terms of the members shall be for six years and until successors are appointed and qualify. No member shall be allowed successive terms of office.

The dentist at large and lay member shall be appointed by the Governor. All appointments to the board of the six members of the board representing the Congressional Districts shall be made upon the recommendation of the board, which recommendation shall be based upon an annual election conducted by the board. This election shall be conducted on a rotating basis in the six Congressional Districts in numerical order so that each year the licensed dentists residing in the subject district shall elect from among themselves a member of the board. The board at its regular annual meeting shall certify in writing to the Governor the name of the person winning the election and the name of the person the nominee replaces on the board. The Governor may reject any or all of the nominees upon satisfactory showing as to the unfitness of those rejected. If the Governor declines to appoint any of such nominees so submitted, additional nominees shall be submitted in the same manner. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.

The board shall conduct an election to nominate the dental hygienist when such seat shall be vacant. Such election shall provide for participation by all dental hygienists currently licensed and residing in South Carolina. The name of the nominee shall be forwarded to the Governor for appointment. The Governor may reject the nominee upon satisfactory showing as to the unfitness of the nominee. If the Governor declines to appoint any nominee so submitted, additional nominees shall be submitted in the same manner. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term. No person shall be eligible for appointment who has a financial interest or serves as an officer in a business organized under the laws of this State to sell dental supplies, equipment, or appurtenances or who is officially connected with a school of dentistry or dental hygiene.

Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.

All members of the board have full voting rights except that the lay member is exempt from voting on examinations for licensure and the dental hygienist is exempt from voting on examination for licensure for dentists.

The Governor may remove any member of the board who has been guilty of continued neglect of his duties or who is found to be incompetent, unprofessional, or dishonorable. No member shall be removed without first giving him an opportunity to refute the charges filed against him. He shall be given a copy of the charges at the time they are filed.

The present members of the State Board of Dentistry shall continue to serve until expiration of their terms and until successors are appointed. The present board shall plan and implement the changes in as practical a manner as its deems feasible so as to accomplish the changes at least by December 31, 1984, and to provide for board membership to expire on a rotating basis so that no more than two seats expire in any one year. The Governor shall appoint the lay member by December 31, 1982. The present members of the State Board of Dentistry shall be eligible for nomination to a new term if the board deems this to be feasible in implementing the terms of this chapter.

SECTION 40-15-30. Meetings of Board; officers; quorum; minutes.

The Board shall hold at least one annual meeting, which shall be held between the fifteenth day of May and the fifteenth day of July each year. Each year the Board shall elect a president and a vice-president from its membership and a secretary who shall not be required to be a dentist. The terms of such offices shall be for one year and until their successors are elected. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the president or any three members of the Board, at any time, upon giving five days written notice to the members thereof. Written notice may be waived by unanimous consent by the members. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business coming before the Board and all proceedings of the Board shall be recorded in a permanently bound minute book.

SECTION 40-15-40. Rules and regulations of Board; committees; employees; expenses; examinations; records.

The board shall adopt rules and regulations not inconsistent with this chapter for its own organization and for the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene and the performance of dental technological work in this State, and for carrying out the provisions of this chapter, and may amend, modify and repeal any rules and regulations from time to time. The Director of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, pursuant to Section 40-73-15, shall appoint such committees, special examiners, agents and employees as he may deem necessary or proper to carry out the provisions of this chapter, the expense thereof to be charged and paid as other expenditures of the board. The board shall hold at least one examination in each year for persons who desire to become licensed dentists or dental hygienists or registered dental technicians. A secretary shall keep a full record of all proceedings of the board, and a complete registry of all licensed dentists, licensed dental hygienists and registered dental technicians. A transcript of any entry in such record or registry certified by the secretary shall be competent evidence.

SECTION 40-15-50. Bond and salary of Executive Director; per diem, etc. for board members; disposition of moneys received by board; transfer of excess funds.

The executive director must be bonded in an amount as the Director of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation may fix for the faithful discharge of his duties as custodian of the monies paid to the board. He shall receive the salary as appropriated by the Director of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Each of the board members shall receive for each day actually engaged in the duties of his office per diem, mileage, and subsistence at the rate established by law for boards, commissions, and committees. All fees received by the board become the property of the state general fund and must be deposited to the account of the State Treasurer. The expenditures of the board must be from state appropriations. All fines must be deposited into a special account to be held by the State Treasurer for the purpose of the payment of administrative costs upon the approval of the Budget and Control Board. At any time the balance in the special account exceeds twenty thousand dollars, all funds in excess of that amount must be remitted to the general fund.

SECTION 40-15-60. Immunity of Board members, officers and employees for official acts; seal.

No member of the board, or its director, its committees, special examiners, agents, and employees shall be held liable for acts performed in the course of official duties except where actual malice is shown. The board shall have a seal and the impression thereof shall be attached to official documents as requested and approved.

SECTION 40-15-70. "Practice of dentistry" defined.

A person is practicing dentistry who:

(1) uses the word "dentist", "dental surgeon", or the letters "D.D.S.", "D.M.D.", or other letters or titles in connection with his name which in any way represents him as engaging in the practice of dentistry or in the administration of any dental health program; or

(2) for a fee or other consideration:

(a) shall profess or indicate in any manner that he can or will attempt to perform dental procedures in the oral cavity and associated adjacent structures; or

(b) shall diagnose or treat or profess to diagnose or treat any diseases or lesions or conditions of the oral cavity and associated adjacent structures; or

(c) shall extract teeth, correct malpositions of the teeth or jaws, or take impressions, or construct, supply, repair, reline, or duplicate artificial teeth as substitutes for natural teeth, or adjust such substitutes, or do any practice included in the curricula of dental colleges accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or administer or prescribe drugs or therapy utilized in the treatment of dental or oral diseases, or shall use X ray for dental treatment or dental diagnostic purposes, or shall administer anesthetics, local or general, for dental procedures; or

(d) shall teach or profess to teach any phase of dental practice or related procedures.

SECTION 40-15-80. Conditions under which person is considered to be practicing dental hygiene.

(A) Any person is considered to be practicing dental hygiene who engages in those clinical procedures primarily concerned with the performance of preventive dental services not constituting the practice of dentistry, including removing all hard and soft deposits and stains from the surfaces of human teeth, root planing, performing clinical examination of teeth and surrounding tissues, and charting of oral conditions for diagnosis by a dentist, and performing such other procedures as may be delegated by regulations of the board.

(B) In school settings, licensed dental hygienists may apply topical fluoride and may perform the application of sealants and oral prophylaxis under general supervision, with written permission of the student's parent or guardian.

(C) In hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facilities, rural and community clinics, health facilities operated by federal, state, county, or local governments, hospices, education institutions accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation that give instruction in dental hygiene, and in bona fide charitable institutions, licensed dental hygienists may apply topical fluoride and perform the application of sealants and oral prophylaxis under general supervision. Treatment may not occur in these settings unless medical emergency care is available within the facility.

(D) Licensed dental hygienists may provide oral hygiene instruction and counseling, perform oral screenings, and provide nutrition and dietary counseling without prior authorization.

(E) Upon certification by the board and when under the direct supervision of a practicing dentist, a licensed dental hygienist may administer local infiltration anesthesia.

(F) This section is not intended to establish independent dental hygiene practice.

(G) No person other than a licensed dentist or dental hygienist may use the title "dental hygienist", present themselves as being a dental hygienist, or perform oral prophylaxis. This does not preclude an expanded duty dental assistant from polishing restorations and supra-gingival tooth structure. Dental hygienists practicing under general supervision must maintain professional liability insurance.

SECTION 40-15-83. Patient recordkeeping requirements; penalty.

(A) Dentists shall retain their patient records for at least five years. These minimum recordkeeping periods begin to run from the last date of treatment. After these minimum recordkeeping periods, the records may be destroyed. If a dentist is employed by a corporation or another dentist, the corporation or employing dentist is responsible for maintaining the patient records for a period of five years. The practicing dentist shall have access to these patient records during that period. However, a dentist who works in a nonprofit dental clinic operated solely for the benefit of poor and indigent persons is not required to maintain records for patients seen in that setting. The owner or operator of a nonprofit dental clinic, for at least five years, shall retain patient records for persons treated at the clinic.

(B) A clinic, corporation, or dentist violating subsection (A) is subject to a civil penalty, to be imposed by the board, of up to ten thousand dollars for each violation.

SECTION 40-15-85. "Direct supervision", "general supervision" and "oral prophylaxis" defined.

(A) The term "direct supervision" means that a dentist is in the dental office, personally diagnoses the condition to be treated, personally authorizes the procedure, and before the dismissal of the patient, evaluates the performance of the auxiliary. Such a requirement does not mandate that a dentist be present at all times, but he or she must be on the premises actually involved in supervision and control.

(B) The term "general supervision" means that a licensed dentist or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's public health dentist has authorized the procedures to be performed but does not require that a dentist be present when the procedures are performed. General supervision is not applicable to the practice of dental hygiene in a private dental office.

(C) The term "oral prophylaxis" means the removal of any and/or all hard and soft deposits, accretions, toxins, and stain from any natural or restored surfaces of primary, transitional, and/or permanent teeth by scaling and polishing as a preventive measure for the control of local irritational factors.

SECTION 40-15-90. "Dental technological work" defined.

The term "dental technological work" as used in this chapter is hereby defined as the extra-oral procedures of constructing, making, altering or repairing, relining or duplicating of dental prosthetic or orthodontic appliances. The persons performing dental technological work, other than dentists, shall be referred to as dental technicians.

SECTION 40-15-95. "Orthodontic technological work" defined.

The term "orthodontic technological work" as used in this chapter is hereby defined as the extra-oral procedures of constructing, making, altering, repairing, or duplicating of orthodontic appliances. The persons performing orthodontic technological work, other than dentists, shall be referred to as orthodontic technicians. For the purposes of this chapter references to dental technicians or dental technological work include orthodontic technicians and orthodontic technological work unless specific reference is made to orthodontic technicians or orthodontic technological work.

SECTION 40-15-100. Unlawful to practice dentistry without license.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of dentistry in this State without a license from the Board, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

SECTION 40-15-105. Administration of certain anesthetic by dental hygienist or dental assistant.

Upon certification, as provided by the board in regulation, and when under direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental hygienist or an expanded duty dental assistant is authorized to monitor nitrous oxide inhalation conscious sedation (dental analgesia).

SECTION 40-15-110. Exemptions from chapter.

Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prevent the practice of medicine by a licensed physician or the administration of anaesthesia by those persons otherwise qualified by law to do so; or to prevent the performance of official duties by commissioned dental or medical officers of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Veterans' Administration, or United States Public Health Service; or to prevent any person from teaching or demonstrating dentistry or related procedures at a dental society meeting or at a dental convention or at an accredited dental college; or to prevent a licensed dentist of another state or country from performing duties in connection with a specific case for which he is called into the State by a dentist licensed in this State; or to prevent dental students from performing dental procedures under the supervision of instructors in any dental school in this State accredited by the Commission; or to require a license for interns or residents enrolled in an intern or residency training program approved by the Commission; or prevent licensed dental hygienists or registered dental technicians from teaching in programs accredited by the Commission.

A dentist licensed in another state teaching in a dental college in South Carolina accredited by the Commission is exempt from the licensure requirement unless he engages in the intramural or private practice of dentistry.

Nothing in this chapter prevents a person from making roentgenograms or X-ray exposures under the supervision of a licensed dentist or prevents persons licensed to practice dental hygiene from performing an intra-oral dental hygiene procedure if it is performed under the direction and control of a licensed dentist present on the premises.

Nothing in this chapter prevents a person from performing dental or orthodontic technological work if:

(a) the intra-oral procedures relative to such work are performed by a licensed dentist; and

(b) the work is performed by or under the direction and control of a licensed dentist and on his premises, or by or under the direction and control of a registered dental or orthodontic technician present on the premises, provided, however, that orthodontic work performed under the direction and control of a registered orthodontic technician is limited to orthodontic technological work; and

(c) the work is performed pursuant to a properly executed work authorization, as described elsewhere in this chapter, if the work is to be done by or under the direction and control of a registered dental or orthodontic technician.

Nothing in this chapter prevents a certified or qualified dental assistant or licensed dental hygienist from taking impressions for dental study casts under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist present on the premises.

Unlicensed personnel in a dental office may perform those tasks as authorized by the board and for which minimal training standards and qualifications are established by regulation. All tasks permitted to be performed by other than licensed personnel must be under the direct supervision of a dentist present on the premises and licensed in South Carolina.

Licensed dental hygienists employed within the public health system may provide education and primary preventive care which is reversible and noninvasive. Primary preventive care and education are defined as promotion and protection of health to avoid occurrence of disease through communitywide and individual measures or improvements in lifestyle. These services are to be performed under the direction and control of the State Director of Public Health Dentistry but do not require that the director be present when authorized services are provided. If a licensed dentist is available, an examination and diagnosis must be made by him before a sealant is placed on a tooth.

Certified dental assistants employed within the public health system may assist in public health program activities as authorized by the State Director of Public Health Dentistry. These duties must be performed under the direction and control of the State Director of Public Health Dentistry but do not require that the director be present when authorized duties are performed.

Licensed dental hygienists and certified dental assistants within the public health system may perform other duties authorized by regulations of the State Board of Dentistry.

SECTION 40-15-120. Penalties for practice of dentistry or dental hygiene without license and for performance of dental or orthodontic technological work by unregistered person.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to:

(1) practice or attempt or offer to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in the State without having been licensed by the board; or

(2) practice or attempt or offer to practice dentistry or dental hygiene, or perform dental technological work in the State during any period of suspension or revocation of his license or registration certificate; or

(3) perform dental technological work without being registered by the board or if unregistered, without performing the work under the direction and control of a registered dental technician present on the premises or under the direction and control of a licensed dentist and on the dentist's premises; or

(4) perform orthodontic technological work without being a registered dental or orthodontic technician or if unregistered, without performing the work under the direction or control of a registered dental or orthodontic technician and on the technician's premises, or under the direction and control of a licensed dentist and on the dentist's premises.

(B) A person violating subsection (A) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both. Each day a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.

SECTION 40-15-130. Advertisement of services; display of name and licensed area of practice; practice under trade names.

Dentists may advertise their services so long as these public communications are not false, deceptive, or misleading and do not attempt to create any impression, unsupported by fact, of superior skills or qualifications of those who practice thereunder. Licensed dental specialists may announce their specialization and may advertise their services so long as the public communications are not false, deceptive, or misleading.

Every dentist practicing dentistry under a trade name and every dentist practicing as an employee of another licensed dentist or a partnership or of a professional association shall cause his name and licensed area of practice to be conspicuously displayed and kept so displayed in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the place where the practice is conducted.

Dentists may practice or continue to practice under trade names so long as the names are not false, deceptive, or misleading and do not attempt to create any impression of superior skills or qualifications of those who practice thereunder.

SECTION 40-15-135. Certain dental services to be performed only by licensed dentist.

(A) Only a dentist licensed pursuant to this chapter may control the use of dental equipment or material while the equipment or material is being used to provide dental services in a dental office, whether those services are provided by a dentist, a dental hygienist, a dental assistant, or a dental auxiliary.

(B) No person other than a dentist, licensed pursuant to this chapter may exercise control over:

(1) the selection of a course of treatment of a patient, the procedures or materials to be used as part of the course of treatment, or the manner in which the course of treatment is carried out by the licensee;

(2) the patient records of a dentist. However, if the dentist is employed by a corporation or another dentist, the corporation or employing dentist is responsible for keeping the records for a period of five years and the practicing dentist shall have access to those records;

(3) nothing in this section precludes an insurer or health maintenance organization from requiring pre-certification or authorization in regard to reimbursement for courses of treatment performed.

(C) A lease agreement, rental agreement, or other arrangement for the provision of dental equipment or dental materials in a dental office entered into by a licensed dentist with a person who is not a licensed dentist shall contain a provision whereby the dentist expressly maintains complete care, custody, and control of the equipment or material.

(D) This section does not, in any manner, affect the operation of an accredited teaching institution, a nonprofit dental clinic operated solely for the benefit of poor and indigent persons, or a state or federal operating clinic.

SECTION 40-15-140. Examination of applicants for licenses or registration; issuance of licenses or certificates; reexamination.

It is the duty of the Board to examine (or cause to be examined) all qualified applicants for a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or who desire to be registered as dental technicians in this State. No examination is required to be registered as an orthodontic technician. Prior to admittance to the examination or the registration of an orthodontic technician, each applicant shall produce evidence satisfactory to the Board that he possesses good moral character. If the Board refuses an applicant admission to the examination or registration as an orthodontic technician because of unsuitable moral character the Board shall notify the applicant in writing and set forth in detail the reason supporting the Board's decision. An applicant who holds a license or certificate from any jurisdiction shall certify that he has not violated any of the provisions of the Dental Practice Act governing his prior license or practice or operation. In addition, each applicant shall present the following:

(a) in the case of applicants to practice dentistry or dental hygiene, satisfactory evidence of graduation from a dental college or school of dental hygiene, respectively, accredited by the Commission.

(b) in the case of applicants who desire to be registered as dental technicians, a high school diploma, or its equivalent, and satisfactory evidence of successful completion of a full two-year course of study in a school for dental technological work acceptable to the board, or in lieu of the dental school program, the applicant must have performed dental technological work under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist or registered dental technician for a period of at least three years.

The application must be received by the Board not less than forty-five days before the examination date. An application for registration as an orthodontic technician may be submitted at any time. Each applicant shall pay to the Board a fee as prescribed by it by rules and regulations. Each applicant must satisfactorily pass the examination prepared by the Board on subjects and operations pertaining to dentistry that are regularly taught in such accredited schools. The examination must be given either orally or in writing, or by requiring a practical demonstration of the applicant's skill, or by any combination of such methods as the Board may in its discretion require. The Board shall grade each examination and inform the applicant of the result within a reasonable time after the date thereof. The Board shall issue a numbered license to each person who passes the dental or dental hygiene examination and a numbered certificate to each person who passes the dental technician examination and to each applicant to be registered as an orthodontic technician. All examination papers must be retained by the Board for two years and upon request be available for inspection by a person examined.

Dentists and dental hygienists, and dental technicians who are validly licensed or registered in this State as of April 13, 1968, are exempt from reexamination except in instances where application for relicensing or reregistration is made following a period of suspension or revocation of a license or registration certificate, in which instances reexamination is discretionary with the Board.

Dental examinations must be given annually by the board and dental hygienist and dental technician examinations must be given semiannually by the board.

SECTION 40-15-150. Filing false affidavit or diploma; misrepresentation or concealment.

Any person who, in order to influence action by the board:

(a) knowingly files a false or forged affidavit with the board;

(b) files as his own a diploma or license issued to another; or

(c) in any manner misrepresents or conceals his true name or former place of residence is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both.

SECTION 40-15-170. Reregistration; effect of foreign revocations.

The secretary of the board shall on or about the fifteenth day of October of each year send a reregistration application to the last address furnished the board of each person licensed or registered by the board. The failure to receive the application does not excuse a failure to reregister, as required by this chapter. An annual registration fee, to be set by the board, shall cover fully all costs and is payable by each licensed dentist and dental hygienist and each registered dental technician not later than the thirty-first of December. In setting the license fees for the year 1987-88, the board must set the license fees for each classification so that in the aggregate the revenues generated from all license fees for the year will equal one hundred fifteen percent of its total expenditures during the previous year. If reregistration is not completed by the thirty-first of December, the fee must be doubled. If the licensee or dental technician fails to reregister by the thirty-first of January of the following year, the secretary of the board shall notify the licensee or dental technician by registered mail at his last known address that failure to reregister by the first of March will result in the license or registration expiring as of the first of March. After the thirty-first of January, an additional five dollar penalty is added each day until the reregistration fee is paid. Any expired license may be reinstated or any dental technician may be reregistered by taking the licensure or dental technician examination or appearing in person before the board with a satisfactory explanation for the failure to reregister. An orthodontic technician may be reregistered by submitting a completed application or appearing in person before the board with a satisfactory explanation for the failure to reregister. It is the responsibility of each licensee or dental technician to keep the office of the secretary notified of his current mailing address.

If an individual's license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene is revoked by another state for cause this shall, in the discretion of the board, constitute grounds for revocation of his South Carolina license. The license of a dentist or dental hygienist who does not either reside or practice in South Carolina for a period of six successive years is considered inactive. The time spent in active service by any person in the armed forces or public health service of the United States or with the Veterans' Administration is not construed as absence from or failure to practice in the State. Relicensing after an absence of over six years may be made at the discretion of the board upon proof of high professional fitness and moral character.

SECTION 40-15-175. Instructor's license for dentists licensed in another state who teach dental medicine full-time at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine.

(A) The State Board of Dentistry may issue an instructor's license to a dentist who:

(1) holds a valid license in another state;

(2) passes an examination as prescribed by the board; and

(3) is teaching dental medicine in South Carolina full-time at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine only.

(B) A dentist with an instructor's license is authorized to practice at or on behalf of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine.

(C) An instructor's license must be renewed annually in accordance with procedures and fees as established by the board in regulation.

(D) A dentist holding an instructor's license issued pursuant to this section is subject to the provisions of this chapter and regulations promulgated under this chapter unless otherwise provided for in this section.

SECTION 40-15-177. Restricted volunteer license for certain dentists and dental hygienists.

(A) The State Board of Dentistry may issue a restricted volunteer license to a dentist or dental hygienist who:

(1) has held the corresponding license in another state as a licensee in good standing;

(2) has passed an examination as prescribed by the board;

(3) has not failed the state's corresponding clinical examination within the past five years;

(4) must have at least five years of clinical practice in the field for which they are seeking the license.

(B) A person holding a restricted volunteer license under this section:

(1) must only practice in clinics prescribed by the board in regulation;

(2) only treat patients who have no insurance or who are not eligible for financial assistance for dental treatment;

(3) may not receive remuneration directly or indirectly for providing dental or dental hygiene services.

(C) A dentist with a restricted volunteer license issued under this section only may practice dentistry and perform dental procedures if:

(1) a dentist with an unrestricted license is available on the premises; or

(2) the dentist reviews every thirty days with a local licensed dentist in good standing the cases of all patients treated during the thirty-day period.

(D) A dental hygienist only may practice dental hygiene pursuant to this chapter and regulations promulgated under this chapter for dental hygienists and only under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

(E) A license issued under this section must be renewed annually in accordance with continuing education requirements and procedures as may be established by the board in regulation.

(F) A dentist or dental hygienist holding a restricted volunteer license issued pursuant to this section is subject to the provisions of this chapter and regulations promulgated under this chapter unless otherwise provided for in this section.

SECTION 40-15-180. Complaint to Board against dentist, dental hygienist or dental technician; investigation; accusation; notice; hearing; confidentiality of proceedings; privileged communications.

(1) The board shall receive complaints by any person against a licensed dentist or dental hygienist, or against a registered dental technician, and shall require the same to be submitted to it in the form of an affidavit. Upon receipt of a complaint, the director, or such other person as the president may designate, shall investigate the allegations of the complaint and make a report to the board concerning his investigation. If the board shall then desire to proceed further it may, in its discretion, file a formal accusation charging the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental technician with a violation of a provision of this chapter. The accusation shall be signed by the president or vice-president on behalf of the board. When the accusation is filed, and the board shall set a date for a hearing thereon, the director of the board shall notify the accused in writing, not less than thirty days prior to the hearing date, of the date fixed for the hearing and a true copy of the accusation shall be attached to the notice. The accused may appear and show cause why his license should not be suspended or revoked. The accused shall have the right to be confronted with and to cross-examine the witnesses against him and shall have the right to counsel. In instances where a board member has made the initial investigation of a complaint, he shall not sit with the board at the hearing of such complaint.

(2) Such notice shall be sent to the accused by registered mail, return receipt requested, directed to his last mailing address furnished the board. The post office registration receipt signed by the accused, his agent, or a responsible member of his household or office staff, or, if not accepted by the person to whom addressed, the postal authorities' stamp thereon showing the same "Refused", shall be prima facie evidence of service of such notice.

(3) All investigations and proceedings undertaken under the provisions of this chapter shall be confidential.

(4) Every communication, whether oral or written, made by or on behalf of any complainant to the board or its agents, or any hearing panel or member thereon, pursuant to this act whether by way of complaint or testimony, shall be privileged, and no action or proceeding, civil or criminal, shall lie against any such person, firm, or corporation by or on whose behalf such communication shall have been made, by reason thereof.

SECTION 40-15-185. Administration of oaths; subpoena power.

For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under the provisions of this chapter, the board or any person designated by it may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any documents or records which the board deems relevant to the inquiry. In the case of contumacy by or the refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1, upon application of the board, may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the board or the person designated by it and produce documentary evidence and give other evidence concerning the matter under inquiry.

SECTION 40-15-190. Grounds for discipline of dentist, dental hygienist, or dental technician.

(A) Misconduct which constitutes grounds for revocation, suspension, probation, reprimand, or other restriction of a license or certificate or a limitation or other discipline of a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental technician occurs when the holder of a license or certificate:

(1) has made a false, fraudulent, or forged statement or document or committed a fraudulent, deceitful, or dishonest act in connection with a licensure or registration requirement;

(2) has been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude or controlled substances; forfeiture of bond or a plea of nolo contendere is equivalent to a conviction;

(3) is unable to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or to perform dental technological work with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of physical illness or disability, mental illness, or the illness of alcoholism or substance abuse;

(4) has employed or permitted an unlicensed or unregistered person to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or to perform dental technological work except as permitted under this chapter;

(5) has published, circulated, or made public in any manner, directly or indirectly, a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement as to the skill or methods or practice of a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental technician;

(6) has instructed, advised, or required a patient to deal directly with an organization or individual performing dental technological work;

(7) has failed to provide and maintain reasonable sanitary facilities or conditions;

(8) has failed to provide adequate radiation safeguards;

(9) has violated the principles of ethics in the practice of dentistry as promulgated in the regulations of the State Board of Dentistry;

(10) has practiced fraud or deceit in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene or in the performance of any dental technological work;

(11) has represented the care being rendered to a patient or the performance of dental technological work or the fees being charged for providing the care or work in a false or misleading manner;

(12) has used a false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading statement in a document including, but not limited to, claims for reimbursement from third parties connected with the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental technological work;

(13) has obtained a fee which is charged or a reimbursement from third parties or has assisted in obtaining the fees or reimbursement through dishonesty or under false or fraudulent circumstances;

(14) has failed to meet the standards of care in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene or the performance of dental technological work;

(15) has violated any provision of this chapter regulating the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental technological work or the regulations promulgated by the board;

(16) has committed an act which would constitute battery upon a patient;

(17) has solicited or accepted dental technological work directly from the general public;

(18) has engaged in fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in dealings with licensed dentists;

(19) has dispensed, prescribed, administered, or obtained drugs for any use or in any regimen other than one appropriate for the practice of dentistry.

(B) In investigating misconduct based upon subsection (A)(3), the board upon reasonable grounds may:

(1) require a licensee, registrant, or applicant to submit to a mental or physical examination by physicians designated by the board. The results of an examination are admissible in a hearing before the board, notwithstanding a claim of privilege under any other provision of law. A person who accepts the privilege of practicing dentistry or dental hygiene or performing dental technology in this State or who files an application for a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or to register as a dental technician in this State is deemed to have consented to submit to a mental or physical examination and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of the results in a hearing before the board upon the grounds of privileged communication. If a licensee, registrant, or applicant fails to submit to an examination when properly directed to do so by the board, unless the failure was due to circumstances beyond the person's control, the board shall enter an order automatically suspending or denying the license or registration pending compliance and further order of the board. A licensee, registrant, or applicant who is prohibited from practicing dentistry or dental hygiene or performing dental technological work under this subsection must be afforded at reasonable intervals an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume or begin the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene or performing dental technological work with reasonable skill and safety to patients;

(2) obtain records specifically relating to the mental or physical condition of a licensee, registrant, or applicant that is the subject of an investigation authorized by item (1), and these records are admissible in a hearing before the board, notwithstanding any other provision of law. A person who accepts the privilege of practicing dentistry or dental hygiene or performing dental technological work in this State or files an application to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or to perform dental technological work in this State is deemed to have consented to the board obtaining these records and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of these records in a hearing before the board upon the grounds of a privileged communication. If a licensee, registrant, or applicant refuses to sign a written consent for the board to obtain these records when properly requested by the board, unless the failure was due to circumstances beyond the person's control, the board shall enter an order automatically suspending or denying the license or registration pending compliance and further order of the board. A licensee, registrant, or applicant who is prohibited from practicing dentistry or dental hygiene or performing dental technological work under this subsection must be afforded at reasonable intervals an opportunity to demonstrate to the board the ability to resume or begin the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene or performing dental technological work with reasonable skill and safety to patients.

SECTION 40-15-200. Disciplinary action by Board; judicial review.

If the board is satisfied that the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental technician is guilty of an offense charged in the formal accusation provided for in this chapter, it may revoke or suspend the license or the registration certificate, reprimand the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental technician publicly or privately, or take other reasonable action short of revocation or suspension including, but not limited to, probation or requiring the person to undertake additional professional training subject to the direction and approval of the board, psychiatric evaluations, controlled substance restrictions, institutional practice under supervision, and other actions considered appropriate by the board. In addition to or instead of actions taken by the board affecting the license of a licensee or the registration certificate of a registrant, when it is established that the licensee or registrant has violated this chapter or any regulation promulgated by the board, the board may require the licensee or registrant to pay a civil penalty of up to ten thousand dollars and the costs of the disciplinary action. All penalties must be remitted to the general fund.

Any decision by the board to revoke, suspend, or otherwise restrict or limit a license or registration certificate or otherwise discipline a licensee or holder of a registration certificate must be by majority vote of the members of the board eligible to participate and is subject to review by an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1 upon petition filed by the licensee or holder of a registration certificate with the court and a copy thereof served upon the director of the board within thirty days from the date of delivery of the board's decision to the licensee or holder of the registration certificate. The review is governed by Chapter 23 of Title 1.

SECTION 40-15-210. Appeal from suspension or revocation.

The person whose license or registration certificate has been suspended or revoked may, within thirty days, appeal from the action of the board in suspending or revoking the same to an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1. The board shall certify to an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1 for its consideration a record of the hearing before the board.

SECTION 40-15-212. Unlawful dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental technological work; aiding and abetting; penalties.

A person who practices dentistry or dental hygiene or performs dental technological work, in violation of this chapter or who aids or abets a person in violating this chapter, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both. Each day a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.

SECTION 40-15-215. Publication of final orders of Board; public record of limitation or surrender of license; confidentiality of other information.

Any final order of the board finding that a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental technician is guilty of any offense charged in a formal accusation is public knowledge except for a final order dismissing the accusation or determining that a private reprimand is in order or unless stayed by an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1 or the board. Any final order which is made public may be mailed to local and state dental associations and all hospitals in which the respondent has staff privileges, to states where the dentist, dental hygienist, or dental technician has a license or certificate as known to the board, or to any other agency the board considers appropriate. If a license or certificate is voluntarily limited or surrendered by the holder, a public record of the existence and duration of the limitation or surrender must be maintained by the board, and no further distribution of the information may be made. All information, investigations, and proceedings concerning the circumstances underlying an action by the holder of the license or certificate is privileged and confidential.

SECTION 40-15-220. License to practice specialty.

A special license shall be required for the practice of each special area of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association, in order for a dentist to hold himself out to the public as limiting his practice to, being a specialist in, or giving special attention to any special area of dentistry. No dentist shall announce or hold himself out to the public as limiting his practice to, or as being a specialist in or giving special attention to, any special area of dentistry without first having obtained a special license therefor from the Board as herein provided. The volume of business performed in any limited area of dentistry and the restriction of a licensed dentist's activity to any one or more limited areas of dentistry shall not in themselves constitute a holding out to the public that the dentist is a specialist.

SECTION 40-15-230. Applicant for license to practice specialty must be licensed to practice dentistry.

Before an applicant can be licensed to practice a specialty, he must first have been licensed to practice dentistry in the State.

SECTION 40-15-240. Application for license to practice specialty.

Every person who desires to obtain a license to practice a specialty of dentistry shall apply therefor to the Board in writing and upon blanks prepared and furnished for the purpose not less than forty-five days before the Board meets.

SECTION 40-15-250. Examinations for licensing as specialists.

Examinations for licensing as specialists are held annually or as the Board may determine. The examinations must be theoretical and practical. The theoretical examinations shall include subjects represented in that recognized special area of dentistry in which the applicant desires to specialize. The examination must be given either orally or in writing, or by requiring a practical demonstration of the applicant's skill, or by any combination of the methods as the Board may require. The fee for the examinations and special license is prescribed in the regulations of the Board. Any applicant who fails to pass the examination may apply for a subsequent examination, in which case he shall pay to the secretary a fee prescribed in the regulations of the Board for each subsequent examination. A diplomate of a national certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association may be granted a specialty license without examination by the Board after satisfactory completion of the application and submission of fees applicable to other applicants. A dentist now holding a valid South Carolina specialty license is not required to be reexamined for that specialty license after April 13, 1968.

SECTION 40-15-260. Issuance, recording and reregistration of license to practice speciality.

The board, upon satisfactory proof that the applicant has satisfied the then current educational requirements as set forth by the American Dental Association for ethical announcement of a practice limited to that specialty and has complied with all requirements of the board, may issue a license to such a dentist authorizing him to hold himself out or announce to the public that he is a specialist in, limits his practice to, or gives special attention to such recognized special area of the dental profession. Such special license shall be reregistered in the same manner as provided in this chapter for a license to practice dentistry.

SECTION 40-15-270. Reciprocity for dentists and dental hygienists licensed in other states.

The board may grant licenses to licensees of other states who are members of regional testing services of which the board is also a member without further examination and may make all necessary regulations and agreements for the reciprocal recognition of licenses issued by other states.

SECTION 40-15-280. "Work authorization" defined; form and contents thereof.

Work authorization shall mean a written order for dental technological work which has been issued by a licensed dentist. It shall be in a form prescribed by regulations of the Board and shall contain the following:

(a) The name and address of the individual or organization to do the work. (b) Identification of the patient by name or number. (c) The date on which the authorization was written. (d) A description of the work to be done, with diagrams, if necessary. (e) A specification of the type and quality of materials to be used. (f) The signature of the dentist, his complete address, and the number of his State license.

SECTION 40-15-290. Work authorization required for work performed off dentist's premises; retention of copy; effect of failure to write and retain.

A dentist ordering dental technological work to be performed off his premises shall issue therefor a work authorization. A copy of each work authorization shall be retained in a file by the issuing dentist for a period of at least three years. The work authorization copy shall be available for inspection by the Board, or its duly authorized agents, on the premises during such period. Any dentist who fails to write and retain the above written work authorization or refuses to allow the Board, or its duly authorized agents, to inspect the same, will be subject to the revocation or suspension of his license as herein provided.

SECTION 40-15-300. Possession of prosthetic or orthodontic model, impression or appliance unlawful without work authorization.

No person other than a licensed dentist, a student in an accredited dental school, or the recipient patient shall have in his possession any prosthetic or orthodontic model, impression, or appliance on which dental technological work has been, is being, or will be performed without having in his possession a properly executed written work authorization therefor. The Board has authority to inspect the premises of any person licensed or registered by the Board to insure compliance with this section. Nothing in this section precludes a certified or qualified dental assistant or licensed dental hygienist from taking impressions for dental study casts under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist present on the premises.

SECTION 40-15-310. Subwork authorizations for subcontractors.

If the person receiving a written work authorization from a licensed dentist engages another person to perform some of the dental technological work relative to such work authorization, he shall furnish a written subwork authorization with respect thereto. The subcontractor shall retain the subwork authorization and the issuer thereof shall retain a duplicate copy, attached to the work authorization received from a licensed dentist, for inspection by the Board, or its duly authorized agents, on the premises for a period of three years.

SECTION 40-15-320. Possession of prosthetic or orthodontic model, impression or appliance without work authorization as prima facie evidence of violation.

Any dental prosthetic or orthodontic model, impression, or appliance in the possession of any person other than a dentist, a student at an accredited dental school, or recipient patient without a written work authorization and corresponding number or identification on the model, impression, or appliance must be impounded by the Board and is prima facie evidence of violation of this chapter.

Nothing in this section precludes a certified or qualified dental assistant or licensed dental hygienist from taking impressions for dental study casts under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist present on the premises.

SECTION 40-15-330. Return of appliance upon completion of dental technological work; retention of work authorization by person doing work.

Upon completion of the dental technological work, the appliance shall be returned to the dentist by whom ordered or his office, the name or number of the written work authorization accompanying the invoice. Each work authorization or copy thereof shall be retained and filed by the person doing the dental technological work for a period of at least three years. The work authorization or copy thereof shall be available for inspection by the Board, or its duly authorized agents, on the premises during such period.

SECTION 40-15-340. Penalties for violations relating to work authorizations and for accepting dental technological work from general public.

(A) A person violating the provisions of this chapter relating to work authorizations is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both. Each day a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.

(B) A person, other than a licensed dentist, who accepts dental technological work from the general public is considered to be practicing dentistry without a license and is subject to the penalties provided for in this chapter.

(C) The provisions of this chapter relating to work authorizations have no application where dental technological work is performed by or under the direction and control of a licensed dentist and on the licensed dentist's premises.

SECTION 40-15-360. Pharmacists permitted to fill prescriptions of licensed dentists.

Licensed pharmacists of this State may fill prescriptions of licensed dentists in this State for any drug to be used in dental practice.

SECTION 40-15-370. Injunctions; office of Attorney General as representative of Board.

The board may, in its own name, maintain a suit for an injunction against any person violating any provision of this chapter. The suit shall be commenced and prosecuted before an administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1 in the same manner as other suits in equity. An injunction may be issued without proof of actual damage sustained by any person. An injunction shall not relieve a person from criminal prosecution for violation of any provision of this chapter. The office of the Attorney General of South Carolina shall, if requested by the board, represent the board in connection with legal proceedings undertaken pursuant to this chapter.

SECTION 40-15-380. Jurisdiction of courts to enjoin violators of chapter.

An administrative law judge as provided under Article 5 of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of this State is hereby vested with jurisdiction and power to enjoin any person violating this chapter in a proceeding brought by the board or by any citizen of this State.