SB 191 — AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR DENTAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.

Summary

This Act updates the language establishing the board of directors for the Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research. This Act adjusts the composition of the voting and non-voting members of the board, the term limits of any board members, and procedures for how the Chair and Vice Chair are selected. The Act clarifies that any member of the board must complete a training on diversity. Any consultant from a university asked to assist the board with its official business does not vote. The Act makes minor changes pertaining to the purpose and duties of the board.

Bill Text

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This Act modifies the composition, term limits, and selection procedures of the board for the Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research, while clarifying diversity training requirements for members.

• § 9941

  The Board is comprised of following members: → The Board is comprised of 12 members, 9 voting members and 3 non-voting members.

  The board's structure is changed to include specific numbers of voting and non-voting members.

• § 9941

  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. → Three members from the Delaware State Dental Society, appointed in consultation with the Delaware State Dental Society.

  The requirement for one member to consult with Christiana Care Health Services is removed.

• § 9941

  one member from the Christiana Care General Practice Residency Program. → one member from the Delaware Higher Education Office.

  A member from the Delaware Higher Education Office is added, replacing the representative from Christiana Care.

• § 9941

  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.

  The compensation clause for board members remains unchanged.

• § 9941

  Candidates for Chair of the Board shall be reviewed by a nominating committee. → The Chair shall be elected by the Board. Candidates for Chair of the Board shall be reviewed by a nominating committee.

  The election process for the Chair is clarified and the nominating committee's role is reiterated.

• § 9941

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

  Redundant language about the election of the Chair is removed.

• § 9942

  support, encourage encourage, and promote: promote all of the following: → support, encourage, and promote all of the following:

  Redundant wording regarding support and promotion is corrected.

• § 9943

  Working in conjunction with the State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, development of → 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 recognized by the Delaware Health Care Commission, in lieu of hospital-based residency training as a condition of licensure.

  The duties specify the programs developed for under-served areas more clearly.

• § 9943

  The Board may develop working relationships and affiliation agreements with other institutions to facilitate carrying out the purposes of this chapter.

  The language about working relationships and agreements remains unchanged.

• § 9942

  In addition, consider supporting programs to educate dentists in the management of patients with cultural differences.

  A duty related to educating dentists about cultural differences is streamlined.

Action History

1. March 16, 2026

   Signed by Governor

2. March 12, 2026

   Passed By House. Votes: 35 YES 1 NO 5 ABSENT

3. January 28, 2026

   Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 10 Favorable

4. January 15, 2026

   Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House

5. January 14, 2026

   Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

6. June 25, 2025

   Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 5 Favorable

7. June 24, 2025

   Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate

Sponsors

• Bryant L. Richardson · Primary
• Ray Seigfried · Primary
• Sarah McBride · Primary

Votes

Subjects