(A) There is created the State Board of Dentistry (board) to be composed of eleven members, one of whom shall be a lay member from the State at large, one of whom shall be a dentist from the State at large, one of whom shall be a dental hygienist from the State at large, one of whom shall be a dental hygienist from the State at large nominated pursuant to subsection (C) and seven of whom shall be dentists representing each congressional district. Dentists shall be licensed, practicing dentists and residents of the State and of the congressional district which they represent. The dental hygienists shall be licensed, practicing dental hygienists and residents of the State. The terms of the members shall be for six years and until successors are appointed and qualify. No member shall be allowed successive terms of office.

(B) The dentist at large, a dental hygienist at large and lay member shall be appointed by the Governor. All appointments to the board of the seven members of the board representing the congressional districts shall be made upon the recommendation of the board, which recommendation shall be based upon an annual election conducted by the board. This election shall be conducted on a rotating basis in the seven congressional districts in numerical order so that each year the licensed dentists residing in the subject district shall elect from among themselves a member of the board. The board at its regular annual meeting shall certify in writing to the Governor the name of the person winning the election and the name of the person the nominee replaces on the board. The Governor may reject any or all of the nominees upon satisfactory showing as to the unfitness of those rejected. If the Governor declines to appoint any of such nominees so submitted, additional nominees shall be submitted in the same manner. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.

(C) The board shall conduct an election to nominate a dental hygienist when such seat shall be vacant. This election shall provide for participation by all dental hygienists currently licensed and residing in South Carolina. The name of the nominee shall be forwarded to the Governor for appointment. The Governor may reject the nominee upon satisfactory showing as to the unfitness of the nominee. If the Governor declines to appoint any nominee so submitted, additional nominees shall be submitted in the same manner. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term. No person shall be eligible for appointment who has a financial interest or serves as an officer in a business organized under the laws of this State to sell dental supplies, equipment, or appurtenances or who is officially connected with a school of dentistry or dental hygiene.

(D) Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.

(E) All members of the board have full voting rights except that the lay member is exempt from voting on examinations for licensure and the dental hygienists are exempt from voting on examination for licensure for dentists.

(F) The Governor may remove any member of the board who has been guilty of continued neglect of his duties or who is found to be incompetent, unprofessional, or dishonorable. No member shall be removed without first giving him an opportunity to refute the charges filed against him. He shall be given a copy of the charges at the time they are filed.