The Florida Board's stance on corporate practice of dentistry is to prohibit what?

• A. Non-dentists may own clinics if they employ dentists.
• B. Encourage corporate groups to own and manage dental practices.
• C. Non-dentist ownership is allowed with board approval.
• D. The Board prohibits unauthorized non-dentist ownership or control of dental practices.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is the corporate practice of dentistry: ownership and control of a dental practice must be in the hands of licensed dentists. The Florida Board prohibits any ownership or control by non-dentists, unless there’s a valid, authorized arrangement that keeps clinical decision-making with dentists. In practice, this means a dental practice cannot be owned or controlled by non-dentists, and attempting to do so without proper authorization is not allowed.

That’s why the correct choice states that unauthorized non-dentist ownership or control is prohibited. The other ideas imply that non-dentists could own or influence the practice if they employ dentists or if the board approves, or that such ownership is encouraged; these clash with the established rule that non-dentist ownership or control is not permitted. The protective goal is to keep clinical decisions focused on professional dental judgment and patient welfare.