The ability to practice any profession is a privilege, not a right. As such, those who attempt to engage in a licensed profession without the appropriate training, ethical standards and/or competency levels, pose a threat to the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of Ohio.

The Ohio State Dental Board has been charged with regulating the practice of dentistry by regulating and enforcing the standards of practice. This is accomplished under three primary functions: Licensing, Regulation and Enforcement.

More specifically, since the Dental Board's mission is public protection, the Board is responsible for:

Licensure:

Through the Dental Board's licensure process, the Board ensures that those applying for licensure in this state as a dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant radiographer, have acceptable education, training and personal character to safely practice in Ohio.

Licensure process: application review
Education, training and examination requirements outlined in statute and rules

Regulation:

The Dental Board sets and defines standards to draw the line between safe and dangerous dental practices.

Promulgating rules
Adopting position statements
Creation of various Dental Board committees

Enforcement:

The Dental Board maintains surveillance of licensees to identify those who practice below the accepted standards of the profession, or without the necessary qualifications.

Accepting and tracking complaints received from the general public, other agencies, licensees and Board staff
Tracking information received through mandatory reporting
Tracking disciplinary action taken by other state licensing boards
Conducting continuing education audits
Probationary compliance monitoring regarding Board orders and consent agreements
Updating licensee information during renewal process
Approval of drug and alcohol treatment providers
Infection control evalutions

The Dental Board's enforcement activities focus on initiating and taking disciplinary action against practioners who have violated the Dental Practice Act. The Board must take action to stop substandard practice or practice by those without necessary qualifications.

Investigation of complaints and/or information which demonstrated that the Dental Practice Act has been violated, as described above
Conducting disciplinary proceedings pursuant to Chapters 119 and 4715 of the Ohio Revised Code

The Board is responsible for educating and facilitating the ability of others to communicate to the Dental Board those allegedly violating standards of care.

Publication of periodic newsletters
Public speaking