Massachusetts § 19 - Board of registration in dentistry; membership; qualifications; appointment; term; advisors

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 19 — Board of registration in dentistry; membership; qualifications; appointment; term; advisors, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 19. Board of registration in dentistry; membership; qualifications; appointment; term; advisors

Section 19. There shall be a board of registration in dentistry, called the board in sections 19 to 21, inclusive. The board shall consist of 11 persons, each of whom shall be a legal resident of the commonwealth, to be appointed by the governor; 6 shall be graduates of a reputable dental college and be reputable dentists who have maintained a license to practice dentistry in the commonwealth for the 8 years preceding the appointment; 2 shall be graduates of a reputable school of dental hygiene and be reputable dental hygienists who have maintained a license to practice dental hygiene in the commonwealth for the 5 years preceding the appointment; 1 of whom shall be a dental assistant in the commonwealth for the 5 years preceding the appointment; and 2 shall be representatives of the public, subject to section 9B. No more than 1 member of the board who is a dentist may be a full-time member of the faculty or a trustee of an institution engaged in educating dentists or having power to confer degrees in dentistry. Board members shall serve for a term of 5 years. In April, the governor shall annually appoint a successor to those members of the board whose terms are expiring in that year. No member shall serve more than 2 full terms.

There shall be two advisors to the board who shall be dental assistants. One dental assistant shall be appointed an advisor annually, in April, by the governor for a two year term. Any vacancy in the position of advisor shall be filled by the governor for the unexpired term. Advisors shall provide advice and consultation to the board within their area of expertise, and the board shall submit to the advisors for review and comment, at least sixty days prior to its publication as a proposal, any proposed rule or regulation, except emergency rules and regulations adopted under the provisions of clause (3) of section two of chapter thirty A, which would affect the activities of dental assistants.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 19

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 19 cover?

Section 19 ("Board of registration in dentistry; membership; qualifications; appointment; term; advisors") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 19?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 19" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 19 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.