It is the intent of the Legislature that the Dental Board of California seek ways and means to identify and rehabilitate licentiates whose competency may be impaired due to abuse of dangerous drugs or alcohol, so that licentiates so afflicted may be treated and returned to the practice of dentistry in a manner that will not endanger the public health and safety. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the Dental Board of California shall implement this legislation in part by establishing a diversion program as a voluntary alternative approach to traditional disciplinary actions.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 426, Sec. 11. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2016.)