The first State to regulate by law the prac tice of dentistry was Alabama. In 1841 a law was passed requiring the examination of dental, practitioners in the State by a medical board captaining_ at least one dentist of recognized ability. This was the first legislation as to dentistry passed in any country. For nearly 30 years no other State passed such a law, but here and there regulations affecting the practice of dentistry became part of the existing stat utes of several States. The next State to pass a dental law was New York, but this action was not taken till 1868. The English law was enacted in 1878, and those of other countries about that time or later.
Supervision,— The practice of dentistry is now regulated by statute in all political divisions of the United States. Examining boards are appointed in Alabama, Kentucky, North Caro lina and South Carolina by the State dental associations; in District of Columbia by dis trict commissioners; in Indiana by the gov ernor, State Board of Health and dental asso ciation; in Nebraska by State Board of Health; In New York by the Regents: in the Philip pines by the Board of Health; in the remaining divisions by the governor, usually, on recom mendations of the State dental societies.
Licenang.—Interchange of licenses is highly desirable and will doubtless be brought about to some extent in the near future An important step toward interchange of licenses was taken in 1898 when the New York dental law was amended so that the Regents may now 'issue their license to any applicant who holds a license to practise dentistry granted by a State board of dental examiners, indorsed by the Dental Society of the State of New York, prd vided that his preliminary and professional education meets the New York statutory re quirements. The dental examiners of Pennsyl vania having been endorsed by the New York State Dental Society and recommended by the State dental examiners, the Regents endorse Pennsylvania licenses granted under the new regime.
.Licentiates of Other States.—Delaware, In diana, Montana, Ohio, and Wisconsin admit licentiates of other States having equal require ments on ((signification of reciprotal courtesy'; Illinois on approved diploma from reputable dental or medical college, or on five years' prac tice; New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, on proof of license from other State boards having equal remfirements; New Mexico and Utah, on proof of diploma recognized by the National Association of Dental Facul ties; New ;York, on proof of license 'from another. State board having equal require
inents and endorsed by the New York State Dental Society, or on graduation from 'a registered dental school and six years' practice; District of Columbia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wiscon sin, on approved diploma from other States-, Kansas, Kentudcy, Ohio, Texas, on approved ditildma from a dental college in the United States or any foreign country. In the remain ing political divisions no provision is made in the •law, for admission of licentiates of other States.
Synopsis of Educational Requirements...-. In most divisions dental diplomas do not now confer the right to practise, an examination being required. The few exceptions ate at the discretion of the examining boards.' The requirements for admission to the ex arisimaiops, before .the boards of the several States as compiled up to 1 Jan. 1918, are as follows: Alabama, a diploma of graduation from some dental college or collegiate department recog nized by the National Association of Dental Faculties, indicating a grade of at least 75 per cent in all dental branches.
Alaska, a diploma from a reputable dental school. Dentists practicing in the Territory since 1909 who have such diplomas are regis tered and licensed without examination.
Arizona, a diploma from some reputable dental school, or a license issued by another State requiring equal proficiency.
Arkansas, a diploma of a reputable school of dentistry; or the certificate of the examin ing board of a State in which equal proficiency is required.
California, diploma of reputable dental school endorsed by State board of dental exam iners, or four-year high school course and not less than five years' practice; or certificate of examining board of another State requiring equal proficiency showing five years' recent practice.
Colorado, diploma from legally organized reputable dental school.
Connecticut, diploma of graduation from recognized dental school, or three years' prac tice in the State; or certificate from another State board of dental examiners with equal requirements. The license may be issued with out examination in the discretion of the board. Assistants are licensed to practice in the office of a licensed dentist.