What is the primary role of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry?

The primary role of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry is to regulate the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. This encompasses a variety of important responsibilities, including licensing and credentialing dental professionals, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations, enforcing ethical standards, and protecting the public’s health and safety. By overseeing the practice, the Board works to ensure that practitioners maintain the necessary qualifications and adhere to established standards of care, which is crucial for safeguarding patient welfare.

While oversight of dental education programs, providing care, and managing insurance policies are important functions within the dental landscape, they do not fall under the primary responsibilities of the Board. The Board's focus is specifically on regulation and oversight, which is essential for maintaining high standards within the profession and ensuring that practitioners are fit to serve the public.