The Florida Board of Dentistry — More Than Just Discipline

The Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD) was established to ensure that every dentist and dental hygienist practicing in Florida meet the minimum requirements for safe practice. The practice of these professions is a privilege, not a right.

So what is the function of the BOD? It may surprise you, but the BOD is responsible for more than just discipline. They promulgate rules covering licensure and the regulation of the dental profession. They also monitor dentists and dental hygienists in their service to the people of Florida. For example, they cover sedation permitting and inspections, and dental laboratory registration — and you may remember the recent records rule revision.

The full BOD meets quarterly, but the BOD has different committees and councils that meet in the interim to discuss and debate issues before sending them to the full BOD for a vote. The committees and councils include: the anesthesia committee, rules committee, council on dental assisting, council on dental hygiene, ADEX committee, CDCA committee and a board budget liaison. The councils and committees usually meet via conference call throughout the year. The anesthesia committee and hygiene council are by far the most active.

All BOD meetings and conference calls are open to the public and dentists are encouraged to attend. It can be an eye-opening experience! And remember, it is much better to be a spectator than a participant in BOD disciplinary cases. All meetings, times and locations are posted on the BOD website at www.floridasdentistry.gov.

The board consists of 11 members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Seven members must be licensed dentists actively engaged in clinical practice; two members must be actively practicing dental hygienists; and two members must be consumers employed in a field or occupation that is not related to the dental profession. The current members include: Dr. Robert Perdomo, chair; Dr. Joe Thomas, vice chair; Drs. Joe Calderone, Naved Fatmi, Bill Kochenour, Claudio Miro and T.J. Tejera; hygienists Ms. Cathy Cabanzon and Ms. Angie Sissine; and, consumer member, Mr. Tim Pyle. There is one consumer member position open on the BOD that the governor has not yet filled. To learn more about becoming a member of the board, visit the Governor’s Appointments Office website or email appointments@eog.myflorida.com.

Dr. Don Ilkka serves as the full-time FDA liaison to the BOD. The FDA also is represented at all meetings and conference calls by Director of Third Party Payer and Professional Affairs Ms. Casey Stoutamire. The FDA’s Governmental Action Committee monitors all BOD activities and holds conference calls to discuss issues and strategies before each meeting of the board. Please feel free to contact Ms. Stoutamire at cstoutamire@floridadental.org or 850.224.1089 with any questions about the BOD and its work protecting the citizens of Florida.