Birmingham, AL – A bill awaiting Gov. Robert Bentley's signature could resolve a dispute between leaders of Alabama's dental profession and a non-profit corporation that has quickly grown into a giant by providing teeth cleanings, fillings and other basic care for thousands of low-income Alabamians.
The legislation spells out that non-profits can provide dental services and requires them to register with the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners.
The bill was pushed by Anniston-based Sarrell Dental Centers, which has been at odds with the state's dental establishment for more than a year amid questions about whether it was operating legally.
Sarrell Dental CEO Jeffrey Parker says the company supported the legislation to resolve any question about it and similar, smaller companies. Sarrell Dental has 52 dentists working in 11 clinics and a mobile unit.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)