Chap. 223.—An ACT to regulate the practice of denistry. |
; Approved February 26, 1886.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
from and after the passage of this act ft shall be unlawful for
any person, except regularly authorized physicians and sur-
geons, to engage in the practice of dentistry in the common-
wealth of Virginia, or to receive license from any commissioner
of the revenue, unless such person has graduated and received
a diploma from the faculty of a reputable institution where this
specialty is taught, and chartered under the authority of some
one of the United States, or of a foreign government, acknowl-
edged as such, or shall have obtained a certificate from a board
of examiners duly appointed, and authorized by the provisions
of this act to issue such certificates: provided, that nothing
herein contained shall prevent any person from extracting teeth
for any one suffering from toothache.

2. That the board of examiners shall consist of six practi-
tioners of dentistry, who are.of acknowledged ability in the
profession. Said board shall be appointed by the governor,
wh shall select from twelve candidates named by the Virginia
State Dental Association at their next annual meeting, of whom
two shall serve one year, two for two years, and two for three
years, and to reside in different sections of the state; and each
year thereafter two shall be appointed in the same manner from
four nominees, to serve for three years, or until their successors
are elected. All vacancies for unexpired terms shall be filled
by the governor from names furnished him by the board.

3. That it shall be the duty of this board: |

First. To meet annually at the time and place of meeting of
the Virginia State Dental Association, and at such other time
and place as the said hoard shall agree upon, to conduct the
examination of applicants. They shall also meet for the same
purpose at the call of any four members of said board, at such
time and place as may be designated. Thirty days’ notice
must be given of the meetings, by advertising in at least two of
the daily papers published in the commonwealth of Virginia.

Second. To grant a certificate of ability to practice dentistry,
which certificate shall be signed by said board, and stamped
with a suitable seal, to all applicants who undergo a satisfactory
examination, and who received at least four affirmative votes.

Third. To keep a book in which shall be registered the
names and qualifications of each, as far as practicable, of all
persons who have been granted certificates of ability, to prac-
tice dentistry under the provisions of this act.

4. That the book so kept shall be a book of record, and
transcripts from it certified to by the officer who has it in keep-
ing, with the seal of said board of examiners, shall be ‘evidence
In any court of this commonwealth.

5. That four members of this board shall constitute a quorum
for the transactiou of business; and should a quorum not be
present on any day appointed for their meeting, those present
may adjourn from time to time until a quorum is present.

6. That any person who shall, in violation of this act, prac-
tice dentistry in the commonwealth of Virginia, shall be liable
to indictment in the circuit, county or corporation courts; and
on conviction, shall be fined not less than fifty nor more than
two hundred dollars: provided, that any person so convicted
shall not be entitled to any fee for services rendered; and if a
fee shall have been paid, the patient, or his or her heirs, may
recover the same as debts of like amount are now recovered
by law.

7. That all fines collected shall inure to the public school
fund of the county or corporation in which the prosecution
occurs. ,

8. That nothing in this act shall apply to persons who shall
be engaged in the practice of dentistry in this commonwealth
at the time of or prior to the passage of this act.

9. To provide a fund to carry out the provisions of the third
section of this act, it shall be the duty of said board of exam-
iners to collect from those who shall appear before them for ex-
amination the sum of ten dollars each.

10. This act shall be in force from its passage.