2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 12 - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS (§§ 12-1-101 — 12-315-310) › HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS (§§ 12-170-101 — 12-315-310) › Article 220 - DENTISTS, DENTAL HYGIENISTS, AND DENTAL THERAPISTS (§§ 12-220-101 — 12-220-602) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 12-220-101 — 12-220-109) › Section 12-220-105 - Colorado dental board - qualifications of board members - quorum - panel - rules - review of functions - repeal of article - repeal

(1)
(a)
The Colorado dental board is created as the agency of this state for the regulation of the practice of dentistry, dental therapy, and dental hygiene in this state and to carry out the purposes of this article 220. The board is a
type 1
entity, as defined in section
24-1-105
, and is subject to the supervision and control of the division as provided by section
12-20-103 (2)
.
(b)
(I)
Except as provided in subsection (1)(b)(II) of this section, the board consists of seven dentist members, three dental hygienist members, and three 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. A member shall not 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. This subsection (1)(b)(I) is repealed, effective December 1, 2031.
(II)
(A)
Effective July 1, 2031, the board consists of seven dentist members, two dental therapist members, two dental hygienist members, and two 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. A member shall not 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.
(B)
A member serving on the board as of June 30, 2031, may serve the member's full term.
(III)
A person is qualified to be appointed to the board if the person:
(A)
Is a legal resident of Colorado;
(B)
Is currently licensed as a dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist, if fulfilling that position on the board; and
(C)
Has been actively engaged in a clinical practice in this state for at least five years immediately preceding the appointment, if fulfilling the position of dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist on the board.
(c)
(I)
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.
(II)
(A)
In making appointments of dental therapists to the board, the governor shall appoint individuals who are diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, income, wealth, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and geography.
(B)
In considering the racial and ethnic diversity of the dental therapists appointed to the board, the governor shall attempt to ensure that at least one member is a person of color.
(C)
In considering the geographic diversity of the dental therapists appointed to the board, the governor shall attempt to appoint members from both rural and urban areas of the state.
(d)
The governor may remove any member of the board for misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duty.
(2)
Repealed.
(3)
The board shall organize annually by electing one of its members as chairperson and one 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.
(4)
A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, 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.
(5)
(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.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 381, § 7, eff. 1/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 469, § 123, eff. 8/10/2022.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 2, § 14, eff. 2/25/2022.
Amended by 2020 Ch. 64, § 1, eff. 9/14/2020.
Added by 2019 Ch. 136, § 1, eff. 10/1/2019.
This section is similar to former § 12-220-105 as it existed prior to 2020.
2022 Ch. 469, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).
2022 Ch. 381, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).