Consumers Overview

Our Mission

The North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners (NDSBDE) is a part of the North Dakota State goverment. It is a regulatory agency mandated to protect the dental health of the citizens of North Dakota by regulating the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting through the enforcement of laws, rules and policies. The laws epxlain the levels of dental competency and ethical behavior in all areas of the practice of dentistry.

While the Board may suggest, draft, and propose changes to the laws related to the practice of dentistry, the laws are put in place or approved by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly and the Governor. .

Overview and Limits on Board Authority

The scope of the Board's authority is determined by the Legislative Assembly. It has granted the Board several powers, notably the authority to issue dental licenses and to take disciplinary action against a practitioner who violates the laws or rules pertaining to dentistry. The Board, however, does not have the power to require a dentist to provide refunds, to reqiure a consumer to pay dental bills, or to require a dental office to provide dental care to a particular patient. And while hte Board can provide inforamation and asnwers, it cannot give legal advice. Additoinal Board Members may not discuss active investigations.

What You Need to Know About Opioid Pain Medicines

Prescription opioids are used mostly to treat moderate to severe pain and are known to be highly addictive. The consequenses of opioid abuse can be devastating. Commonly prescribed opioids include hydrocodone (Vicodin®), oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®) , oxymorphone (Opana®) , morphine (Kadian®, Avinza®), codeine, and fentanyl. If you are prescribed opioid pain relievers please review the patient counseling guide found by clicking on the link below

OPIOIDS - PATIENT COUNSELING GUIDE

Teeth Whitening Services

Pursuant to the North Dakota Century Code "Practice of dentistry" means examination, diagnosis, treatment, repair, administration of local or general anesthetics, prescriptions, or surgery of or for any disease, disorder, deficiency, deformity, discoloration, condition, lesion, injury, or pain of the human oral cavity, teeth, gingivae, and soft tissues, and the diagnosis, surgical, and adjunctive treatment of the diseases, injuries, and defects of the upper and lower human jaw and associated structures.” [See N.D.C.C. 43-28-01(7) https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t43c28.pdf?20130906111204 ].

An individual who purchases products for personal home use (e.g., Crest Whitestrips®) would not be in violation of the North Dakota Century Code. Likewise, the purchase of products such as hair coloring, etc. for personal home use is not prohibited.

A complaint received by the Board against an individual who is not licensed by or regulated by the Board, who provides teeth whitening services to the public (or the unlawful practice of dentistry), may be referred to a States Attorney.

Disposing of Unwanted Medication

Avoid taking prescription painkillers more often than prescribed.
Discuss with your dentist the risks and benefits of pain treatment options, including ones that do not involve prescription painkillers.
Dispose of medications properly, as soon as the course of treatment is done, and avoid keeping prescription painkillers or sedatives around "just in case."
North Dakota offers two free programs for residents to dispose of unwanted medications. The TAKE BACK PROGRAM at participating law enforcement agencies, and the YELLOW JUG OLD DRUGS program at participating pharmacies. These programs give residents easy and convenient ways to dispose of unused and unwanted medications, a secure and safe way to dispose of controlled substances. This means the amounts of medication in a patient’s home will not be diverted or misused.
The link below will provide a list of the drop off sites for old or unwanted medications. Take Back sites are located at local law enforcement agencies and, unless otherwise noted, are open 24 hours a day. The Yellow Jug sites are at participating pharmacies. For hours of operation, contact your pharmacy directly.

TAKE BACK PROGRAM - LOCATIONS

Help prevent misuse and abuse by not selling or sharing prescription drugs. Never use another person's prescription drugs.
Get help for substance abuse problems 1-800-662-HELP. Call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 if you have questions about medicines.

Public/Governmental Boards vs. Private Membership Organizations

It is important to understand the difference between the North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners (NDSBDE) and private associations like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the North Dakota Dental Association (NDDA).

The NDSBDE is the state entity that regulates the practice of dentistry. It acts within the scope of authority granted to it by the state legislature. It grants licenses to practice dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting, and may revoke, suspend, or place conditions on those licenses.

In contrast, associations such as the ADA and NDDA are member-driven organization; membership is optional. They advocate for and represent the members they serve.

The meetings of the ND Board of Dental Examiners are open to the public. The Board is not affiliated with any national or state dental, dental hygiene, or dental assisting membership organization.

Contacting the Board

You may reach out to us at info@nddentalboard.org or 701-258-8600. Because the Board staff is limited to a single employee and a part time contractor, it is often not able to immediately answer calls. Please leave a message and your call will promptly be returned.