Which statute primarily governs dentistry in Florida?

• A. Florida Administrative Code
• B. Florida Statutes Chapter 455
• C. Florida Constitution
• D. Florida Statutes Chapter 466 (Dentistry)

Answer: (D)

Dentistry in Florida is defined and regulated by a statute that lays out who can practice, what education and exams are required, and how licenses are issued and enforced. Chapter 466 of the Florida Statutes is dedicated to dentistry, so it directly governs the practice, licensure, and disciplinary actions for dentists and related dental professionals. The board responsible for enforcing these rules operates under this statute, ensuring that practitioners meet the specified standards.

The Florida Administrative Code, while important, contains rules that implement and detail how the statute is carried out in practice, not the primary legal foundation itself. Chapter 455 covers general provisions for professional regulation across many occupations, but dentistry-specific rules live in Chapter 466. The Florida Constitution provides the broad framework of government authority but doesn’t specify licensing details for dentistry. So the statute that primarily governs dentistry is Chapter 466.