Oregon Revised Statute 679.020 Practice of dentistry or operating dental office without license prohibited; exceptions.
(1) A person may not practice dentistry without a license.
(2) Only a person licensed as a dentist by the Oregon Board of Dentistry may own, operate, conduct or maintain a dental practice, office or clinic in this state.
The statute does make exceptions for a number of entities, please refer to the statute ORS 679.020 for all exceptions. Exceptions include the OHSU School of Dentistry, certain public universities, local governments and CODA accredited schools among others.
The statute does not allow Dental Hygienists or Denturist to own or operate a dental practice.
A non-licensed Oregon dentist may have ownership or leasehold of any tangible or intangible assets used in a dental office or clinic. These assets include real property, furnishings, equipment and inventory but do not include dental records of patients related to clinical care.
- Employing or contracting for the services of personnel other than licensed dentists.
- Management of the business aspects of a dental office or clinic that do not include the clinical practice of dentistry.
Please contact the Board Office if you have any questions or need additional information.