KRS 313.021: Functions and duties of board -- Authority for administrative regulations -

- Employees -- Biennial budget -- Liability insurance.

(1) The board shall:

(a) Exercise all of the administrative functions of the Commonwealth in the

regulation of the p rofession of dentistry, including but not limited to dentists,

dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratories;

(b) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, create levels of licensure or

registration as appropriate for individuals providing services under this

chapter. These shall consist of:

1. Dentist;

2. Dental hygienist; and

3. Dental assistant;

(c) Promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A

for any license or registration the board may create. The administr ative

regulations shall, at a minimum, address:

1. Requirements for students, if appropriate;

2. Requirements for education;

3. Eligibility for licensure or registration; and

4. Renewal requirements;

(d) Oversee the operations and establish the organizational structure of the Office

of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry, which is created and shall be attached to

the board for administrative purposes. The office shall be headed by the

executive director appoin ted under paragraph (e) of this subsection and shall

be responsible for:

1. Personnel and budget matters affecting the board;

2. Fiscal activities of the board, including grant writing and disbursement

of funds;

3. Information technology, including the des ign and maintenance of

databases;

4. Licensure of dentists and dental hygienists;

5. Registration of dental assistants;

6. Investigation of complaints; and

7. Other responsibilities which may be assigned to the executive director

by the board;

(e) Employ an executive director and fix his or her compensation. The executive

director shall serve at the pleasure of the board, administer the day -to-day

operations of the Office of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry, and supervise all

directives of the board. The exe cutive director shall possess a baccalaureate

degree and shall have no less than five (5) years of experience in public

administration;

(f) Employ or contract with an attorney licensed to practice law in Kentucky and

fix his or her compensation. The attorn ey shall serve at the pleasure of the

board and have primary assignment to the board;

(g) Employ or contract with personnel sufficient to carry out the statutory

responsibilities of the board;

(h) Establish committees and subcommittees and the membership t hereof.

Members of committees and subcommittees shall not need to be members of

the board;

(i) Provide for affiliation with the American Association of Dental Boards and all

testing organizations that administer qualifying examinations for licensure

required under this chapter;

(j) Select the subject matter and standards of proficiency for examinations related

to issuance of licenses or registrations issued under this chapter or

administrative regulations promulgated hereunder; and

(k) Have the authority to issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings related

to this chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder as

established by administrative regulation.

(2) The board may utilize materials, services, or facilities as may be made avai lable to

it by other state agencies or may contract for materials, services, or facilities.

(3) The board shall develop a proposed biennial budget for all administrative and

operational functions and duties.

(4) The board shall purchase liability insurance for board and staff members against

acts performed in the good faith discharge of duties.