As a general dentist for 38 years, I have been impressed with the consistent quality of care provided by those dentists practicing in the recognized dental spcialties.  The term 'Specialty' implies care that is more focused in a specific area, provided by a dentist that has received more education and clinical experience in order to meet a prescribed and tested level of patient care.  The dentist has been recognized by peer review for excellence in a specific area of dentistry.  If the proposed Amendment is put in place, most of the general public will continue to assume that the professional definition of a dental specialist has not changed; but it will have completely changed.  This will take the dental profession more into the area of becoming an occupation and less of a profession that exhibits self control.  Passing this Amendment is not consistent with the Boards duty to protect the public from inferior dental care.  Thanks for consideration of my position.

Frank Grogan DDS