(a) The General Assembly finds and declares that the original purposes for DIDER enacted in 1981 remain sound and should be continued and strengthened.

(b) The General Assembly finds and declares that the original DIDER statute anticipated multiple purposes for the organization, but that administrative and other resources have limited DIDER to 1 purpose — that of becoming a funding conduit for supporting hospital based residency training programs as required in Chapter 11, Title 24.

(c) The General Assembly finds and declares that DIDER can play a pivotal role in implementing many programs that could result in improved access to dental care for Delawareans.

(d) The General Assembly finds and declares that a new structure of the DIDER Board will more appropriately reflect DIDER’s abilities to meet its responsibilities outlined in this legislation.

(e) The General Assembly finds and declares that placing the administration of DIDER within the Delaware Health Care Commission will enhance its ability to accomplish its goals and ensure that DIDER’s future functions will be focused on promoting dental education and helping the State to meet its health-care needs, in concert with DIMER and other state health-care policy activities.

73 Del. Laws, c. 4, §  3; 

(a) There is established the Board of Directors of the Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research (“Board”) which shall serve as an advisory board to the Health Care Commission.

(b) The Board is comprised of the following members:

(1) Eight members, appointed by the Governor, as follows:

a. One member representing the public.

b. One member representing a federally-qualified health center.

c. Three members from the Delaware State Dental Society, appointed in consultation with the Delaware State Dental Society, including 1 appointed in consultation with the Board of Directors of Christiana Care Health Services.

d. One member from the State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, appointed in consultation with the State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene.

e. One dental hygienist, appointed in consultation with the Delaware Dental Hygienist Association.

f. One member from the Delaware Higher Education Office.

(2) The Chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission, or the Chair’s designee.

(3) The Delaware State Dental Director, or the State Dental Director’s designee, who serves as an ex officio member of the Board.

(c) All members, other than the ex officio member, shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except the initial appointments. Of the appointed positions, 3 will initially be for 1 year, 3 will initially be for 2 years, and 3 will be for 3 years, to allow for staggered terms. Members may be reappointed 3 times and may serve no longer than 9 years. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed only for the unexpired term.

(d) The Chair shall be elected by the members from among the Board members.

(e) No member of the Board shall receive compensation for that member’s duties other than normal travel expenses incurred in carrying out the responsibilities as members.

(f) A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum and shall be sufficient for any action by the Board.

(g) The Board may establish working committees to assist in completing its work.

73 Del. Laws, c. 4, §  3;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  77 Del. Laws, c. 431, §  19;  77 Del. Laws, c. 463, §  3;  83 Del. Laws, c. 420, § 7; 

The purpose of the Board shall be to support, encourage and promote:

(1) Accredited general practice residencies in dentistry at any general hospital in the State that will provide a comprehensive postgraduate training program pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 11 of Title 24.

(2) Expansion of opportunities for Delaware residents to obtain dental education and training at all levels.

(3) A strengthening of the factors favoring the decision of qualified dental personnel to practice in Delaware, including, but not limited to, tools such as loan repayment programs as approved by the Delaware Health Care Commission.

(4) Dental needs of the community at large and particularly those who do not have ready access to dental care.

(5) Expansion of opportunities for Delaware residents to obtain training at a reasonable cost in the dental professions.

(6) Incentives for qualified personnel in the dental professions to practice in Delaware.

(7) Support of graduate and postgraduate training programs, including emphasis on those programs targeted to meet the State’s health-care needs.

73 Del. Laws, c. 4, §  3; 

The Board shall be responsible for implementation of policies designed to accomplish the purposes set forth in § 9942 of this title, and shall report to the Commission on its progress. Its activities and responsibilities shall include:

(1) Working in conjunction with the State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, development of programs to encourage and allow dentists to practice in under-served areas of the State, as designated by the Delaware Health Care Commission, in lieu of hospital-based residency training as a condition of licensure. Such programs may include preceptorships and reciprocity.

(2) Loan repayment programs designed to attract dental personnel to Delaware’s under-served areas, as approved by the Delaware Health Care Commission.

(3) Development of expanded opportunities for dental school graduates to obtain general practice training in Delaware. Examples of such opportunities may include, but not be limited to: satellite sites; partnerships with dental schools; and partnerships with local hospitals.

(4) Developing recruitment programs designed to attract dental personnel to Delaware.

(5) Developing plans for enhanced education opportunities for Delawareans interested in pursuing a dental education.

(6) Developing plans for improving access to dental care, particularly for the underserved populations.

The Board may develop working relationships and affiliation agreements with other institutions to facilitate carrying out the purposes of this chapter. Any such agreements shall be approved by the Delaware Health Care Commission, which shall be a signatory to any documents setting the terms of the agreement.

73 Del. Laws, c. 4, §  3;  77 Del. Laws, c. 463, §  3;