Constitution & Bylaws

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE PHILADELPHIA COUNTY DENTAL SOCIETY

Article I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Philadelphia County Dental Society (First District Dental Society of the Pennsylvania Dental Association), hereinafter referred to as "the Society" or "this Society."
The Society shall be a component member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, which in turn is a constituent of the American Dental Association.
The seal of the Society shall bear the words: "The Philadelphia County Dental Society (First District Dental Society of the Pennsylvania Dental Association), organized A.D. 1886."

Article II - OBJECT

The object of this Society shall be to encourage the improvement of the health of the public, to promote the art and science of dentistry and to represent the interests of the members of the dental profession and the welfare of the public which it serves.
The function and operation shall conform with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

Article III - ORGANIZATION

OFFICE - The office shall be located in the City of Philadelphia, County of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
MEMBERSHIP - The membership shall consist of dentists and other persons, whose classifications and qualifications shall be established in the Bylaws.

Article IV - GOVERNMENT

LEGISLATIVE BODY - The legislative and governing body shall be the Board of Governors.
ADMINISTRATIVE BODY - The administrative body shall be the Executive Committee.

Article V - OFFICERS

The officers shall be a President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor and Historian, each of whom shall be elected by the membership in such manner as provided in the Bylaws.

Article VI - SESSIONS

SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS - Scientific Sessions shall be conducted by the members of the Society as provided in the Bylaws.
BUSINESS SESSIONS - Business Sessions shall be conducted by the members of the Board of Governors as provided in the Bylaws.

Article VII - PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The current Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct adopted by the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association shall govern the conduct of members in relation to each other and the public, with such additions or changes as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board of Governors to satisfy local requirements, and to this end each member shall conduct himself/herself so as to support the object for which this Society is organized.

Article VIII - AMENDMENTS

This Constitution and the Bylaws may be amended at any business session by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the active members present, provided that the proposed amendment or amendments have been approved by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Board of Governors, and shall have been sent to each active member at least ten (10) days before the session at which action is to be taken. Notification of the membership through the official publication shall constitute adequate notice.
All amendments regarding membership or the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct shall conform to the rules and regulations governing such matters in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
Any changes in the Constitution of Component Societies prescribed by the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the American Dental Association shall be accepted by the Society.

Article IX - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The current edition of Alice Sturgis' "Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure" shall be the authority on all procedural questions not covered by the Constitution & Bylaws or adopted policies of this Society.

THE BYLAWS OF THE PHILADELPHIA COUNTY DENTAL SOCIETY

CHAPTER I

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - ELIGIBILITY

Any legally qualified ethical dentist, legally qualified ethical practitioner of medicine, and such persons contributing to the advancement of dentistry, shall be eligible for membership in the Society.
An ethical dentist is one whose professional conduct conforms to the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.
The Active, Life, and Retired membership shall be limited to dentists who are members in good standing of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

Section 2 - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

APPLICATION FORM AND CONTENTS - An applicant for membership (except Associate, Affiliate and Honorary Membership) shall:

Make application in writing upon a form prepared for that purpose.
Sign an application form, which shall contain an agreement to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society.
Submit the current year's dues with the application.

PROCEDURE

The application form shall be submitted to the Council on Membership which shall make such investigation of the applicant as it deems necessary.
The Council on Membership shall submit its recommendations to the Board of Governors for final action.
If the preliminary investigation is favorable, the applicant's name shall be published in the Society's official publication.
Notification of favorable action by the Board of Governors shall be made in due form to the candidate by the Society and a copy sent to the Editor for publication.

REJECTED APPLICATIONS. Applications from rejected candidates shall not be considered again prior to one (1) year from the date of rejection.

Section 3 - CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP

A. The members shall be classified as follows:

ACTIVE.
LIFE: a) ACTIVE LIFE; b) RETIRED LIFE.
RETIRED.
STUDENT.
HONORARY.
ASSOCIATE.
AFFILIATE.

Section 4 - DEFINITIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

ACTIVE

Any dentist eligible for membership in the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association and whose professional address is within the jurisdiction of the Society.
Any dentist who has been assigned to active duty in the Federal Dental Services for a limited period of service.
Any dentist who is unable to practice dentistry due to catastrophe or medical illness and who qualifies for waiver of dues of the American Dental Association.

LIFE

Any dentist who has met the eligibility requirements for Life Membership of the American Dental Association and who has been an Active Member of this Society for a minimum of one (1) year.

Active Life: Any dentist who has met the eligibility requirements for Active Life Membership of the American Dental Association.
Retired Life: Any dentist who has met the eligibility requirements for Retired Life Membership of the American Dental Association.

RETIRED. Any Active Member who has met the eligibility requirements for Retired Membership of the American Dental Association.
STUDENT

Any pre-doctoral student who is a member of the American Student Dental Association.
Any student eligible for membership in this Society who is engaged full time in an internship, residency or graduate program of at least one academic year's duration and who is a member of the American Dental Association.

HONORARY. Any individual who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the art and science of dentistry, upon nomination of the Executive Committee and election by the Board of Governors.
ASSOCIATE

Any dentist whose professional duties are not performed within the jurisdiction of this Society, but who is a member in good standing of the American Dental Association.
A legally qualified practitioner of medicine.
A non-dentist who is contributing to the advancement or teaching of Dentistry.
Any dentist in the Federal Government Dental Services, assigned to active duty within the jurisdiction of this Society, who is a member of the American Dental Association.
Any dentist practicing in a country other than the United States, who is a member of a recognized dental organization in such country.

AFFILIATE. Any dental assistant, dental hygienist, and dental laboratory technician who is a member of his/her respective professional organization.

Section 5 - PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP

ACTIVE MEMBERS shall have the right to:

Vote.
Hold office.
Attend sessions of the Society.
Serve on committees and councils.
Receive the official publication and other mailings.
Receive a membership card annually.
Apply for insurance sponsored by the Society.
Such other services as are provided by the Society.

LIFE MEMBERS shall have all the privileges of Active Membership.
RETIRED MEMBERS shall have all the privileges of Active Membership.
STUDENT MEMBERS shall have the right to:

Attend scientific sessions.
Apply for insurance sponsored by the Society.

HONORARY MEMBERS shall receive a special certificate, the official publication, and shall have only the right to attend scientific sessions, but shall not have the right to vote, hold office or apply for insurance programs, unless already a fully privileged member.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS shall have all the privileges of Active Membership except the right to vote and to hold office.
AFFILIATE MEMBERS shall have all the privileges of Active Membership except the right to vote and to hold office.

Section 6 - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

A dentist who has moved into the jurisdiction of this Society may apply for membership by presenting American Dental Association membership credentials and making application in accordance with Chapter I, Section 2.

Section 7 - MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING

A legally qualified, ethical dentist whose dues for the current calendar year have been paid shall be considered a member in good standing.
A member, while receiving assistance from a Relief Fund, shall be exempt from the payment of dues, and shall be considered in good standing.

Section 8 - DELINQUENT MEMBERS

Any member who has not paid dues by January 1 shall be considered delinquent.
A delinquent member who pays the current dues by March 31 shall have all privileges of membership restored without penalty.
A delinquent member shall be automatically dropped from membership if the current dues are not paid by March 31. Notification of this action shall be sent by letter after March 31.

Section 9 - REINSTATEMENT

A member who has been dropped for non-payment of dues may be reinstated during the balance of the calendar year in which he/she has defaulted upon payment of the penalties and reinstatement fees determined by the Board of Governors.
A member who has defaulted for more than one calendar year must apply for membership in accordance with Chapter I, Section 2, and shall be liable for the payment of any penalties and reinstatement fees determined by the Board of Governors.

CHAPTER II

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Section 1 - PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The professional conduct of every member shall be governed by the American Dental Association's and the Pennsylvania Dental Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.

Section 2 - VIOLATIONS AND RELATED JUDICIAL PROCEDURES

Judicial procedures in connection with violations of the American Dental Association's and the Pennsylvania Dental Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct shall be in conformity with the Constitutions of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

CHAPTER III

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

The Annual Business Meeting shall be held for the purpose of electing Board members and officers and to carry out such other business as the Board shall determine.

CHAPTER IV

PUBLICATION

The Society shall publish or cause to be published an official publication to report, chronicle and evaluate activities of scientific and professional interest to members of the dental profession. The title of the publication and frequency of issue shall be determined by the Board of Governors.

CHAPTER V

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Section 1

The general business and executive control of the Society shall be vested in the Board of Governors.

Section 2 - COMPOSITION AND TERM OF OFFICE

The Board of Governors, hereinafter referred to as "the Board," shall consist of members in good standing as follows:

The President and the other duly elected officers.
The Immediate Past President.
Nine (9) elected members, who shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting, as follows: There shall be elected at each Annual Business Meeting three (3) members who shall serve for three (3) years, and who may not again be candidates for membership on the Board until at least three (3) years after their prior terms.
Members who are serving as officers of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, including the Trustee.
Members who are serving as officers of the American Dental Association, including the Trustee.
The General Chairperson of the Liberty Dental Conference shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Board, without the right to vote.

Members of the Board may be removed from the Board for non-attendance at more than three meetings during the year or other valid cause.

Section 3 - POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board shall be the legislative and governing body.
The Board shall have charge and general control of all properties and financial affairs.
The Board shall provide suitable places for meetings for the Society.
The Board shall secure an office and employ such assistance as may be necessary for the conduct of the Society.
The Board shall receive and act upon the resignations of officers and members and have the power to fill vacancies for the unexpired terms of the offices of President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Historian, PDA Trustee, ADA Delegate and/or Alternate Delegate, PDA Delegate and/or Alternate Delegate, members of the Board and members of the Board of Directors of the Liberty Dental Conference.
The Board shall meet in regular session, upon written notice, in June, September, November, January, March, and May. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President at his/her discretion, or shall be called by the President upon the written request of eight (8) members of the Board.
The Board shall arrange for and approve the Annual Business Meeting place and date, and other meetings or clinics as determined by the Board.
The Board shall receive and act upon reports and recommendations of officers and all committees and councils.
The Board shall approve salaries, vote monies for expenses, and determine the amount of those bonds required by the Bylaws.
The Board, at its discretion, may select an Executive Director or Executive Secretary to perform any and all duties of the Secretary and/or Treasurer and other duties as the Board may determine. Such Executive Director or Executive Secretary need not be a member of the Society. The Executive Director or Executive Secretary shall be paid such compensation as may be agreed by the Board.
All members of the Board shall serve as Delegates to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
The Board shall function as the Nominating Committee at the January meeting.
The Board shall arrange for an installation ceremony to be held as close as possible to the beginning of the fiscal year. This meeting shall be for the installation of officers and elected members of the Board and the Board of Directors of the Liberty Dental Conference.
The Board shall have the responsibility for naming the Society's official publication.
The Board shall consider and act upon all recommendations of the Council on Professional Affairs concerning violations of the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
The Board shall receive, consider and act upon all written charges of negligence of duty of an officer or a member of a committee and/or council.

CHAPTER VI

OFFICERS

Section 1

The officers shall be six (6) in number and shall be:

President.
President-Elect.
Secretary.
Treasurer.
Editor.
Historian.

Section 2 - ELIGIBILITY

An Active, Life or Retired Member in good standing shall be eligible to serve as an officer.

Section 3 - NOMINATIONS

Nominations shall be made in accordance with Chapter XI.

Section 4 - ELECTIONS

Elections shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter XI.

Section 5 - TERMS OF OFFICE

The term of office shall coincide with the fiscal year.
The President and President-Elect shall serve only one (1) term unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws.
The terms of office for the Secretary, Treasurer and Historian shall be one (1) year, with a maximum of five (5) consecutive terms.
The term of office of the Editor shall be three (3) years, with a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 6 - INSTALLATION

The term of office shall begin and end at the Society's official installation ceremonies, which are to be held as close as possible to the beginning of the fiscal year.

Section 7 - VACANCIES

Should the office of President become vacant, the President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President for the unexpired portion of the term, in addition to his/her elected term of office.
All other vacancies shall be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.

Section 8 - POWERS AND DUTIES

PRESIDENT

To serve as an official representative of the Society in its contacts with governmental, civic, business and professional organizations for the purpose of advancing the objectives and policies of the Society.
To preside at all meetings of the Society and the Board and to perform such duties as usually pertain to this office.
To select the chairperson and members of each committee and council, with the approval of the Board, to serve for the term of his/her office, except in the case of those committees and councils for which the chairperson and/or members are specifically designated by these Bylaws.
To appoint all special Ad Hoc committees and councils which may be needed for the purpose of performing duties not otherwise assigned by the Bylaws.
To appoint a tellers committee for the annual election.
To designate the time of all meetings of the Board and of such other meetings as may be required.
To see that the Treasurer and employees of the Society, as determined by the Board, are bonded to the Society.
To have the accounts of the Society audited annually by a Certified Public Accountant.
To sign documents on behalf of the Society.
To serve as a Delegate to the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
To submit, at the Annual Business Meeting, a written report of the activities of this office, including recommendations to the Board.
To serve as chairperson of the Executive Committee, with the right to vote, and as an ex-officio member of all committees and councils, without the right to vote.
To appoint, at his/her discretion, a parliamentarian to serve at meetings of the Board.
To serve as a member of the Board and to continue as a member of the Board for a period of one (1) year from the expiration of the term of office.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

To assist the President as requested.
To serve as a member of the Board.
In the absence of the President, to perform all duties of the President, and in case of death, resignation or removal from office of the President, immediately to assume office as President for the unexpired portion of the term and the term following the unexpired portion.
At the installation of officers at the beginning of the next fiscal year of the Society following election, to continue as President without other election.
To serve as a Delegate to the Pennsylvania Dental Association and to serve as chairperson of the delegation.
To serve as an ex-officio member of all committees and councils, without the right to vote.

SECRETARY

To keep a complete record of all proceedings of the Society and the Board, and such other committee and council meetings as the President may direct.
To notify all officers, delegates and committee and council members of their election or appointment.
To sign all official documents and keep the seal of the Society and cause it to be affixed to official documents or certificates after they have been properly signed.
To act as general assistant to the President at the Annual Business Meeting and installation of officers, and at all times to be responsible to the President in the conduct of the office of Secretary.
To make all necessary and proper reports to the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, in accordance with the Bylaws of that Association.
To maintain an accurate list of the names and addresses of the members.
To notify all members of the time and place of meetings and elections; of names of candidates for office, and of any other necessary information; and to provide official ballots for elections.
To provide a copy of the Constitution and the Bylaws at the Executive Office for inspection by any member.
To conduct the general correspondence of the Society and retain full copies thereof.
To mail a statement to each member of indebtedness for the coming year on or about October first of each year or to follow alternative collection procedures as approved by the Board.
At the discretion of the Board, any or all of the foregoing duties of the Secretary shall be performed by an Executive Director or Executive Secretary.
To serve as a member of the Board.
To serve as a Delegate to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

TREASURER

To receive all monies due the Society, deposit them and the securities of the Society in such bank, trust company, or other depositories as the Board shall select.
To pay out funds for items provided for in the budget approved by the Board.
To keep careful and accurate accounts of all monies and securities received, and of all payments made, and to make a report thereof and of the financial status of the Society.
To engage a Certified Public Accountant, as chosen by the Board, and instruct him/her to prepare and submit a complete audit of the financial status of the Society, including a check of all securities, at the end of the fiscal year.
To give security to the Society, in bond of approved surety, as the Board may require, the cost to be paid by the Society.
To report to the Board, at each of its stated meetings, a detailed account of expenses incurred and balances on hand.
To perform such other duties pertaining to the office of Treasurer as may be required.
To serve as a member of the Finance Committee.
At the discretion of the Board, any or all of the foregoing duties of the Treasurer shall be performed by an Executive Director or Executive Secretary.
To serve as a member of the Board.
To serve as a Delegate to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

HISTORIAN

To be responsible for the acquisition and storage of any materials deemed appropriate to aid in the preservation of the history of the Society.
To serve as a member of the Board.
To serve as a Delegate to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

EDITOR

To edit and assume responsibility of publishing and distributing the Society's official publication, at the direction of the Board.
To serve as a member of the Board.
To serve as a Delegate to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
To receive such compensation, if any, as shall be determined by the Board.
To be a member of the American Association of Dental Editors, and the dues in that Association shall be paid by the Society.

CHAPTER VII

TRUSTEE

Section 1 - POWERS AND DUTIES

The Trustee of the First District to the Pennsylvania Dental Association shall be elected in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
The Trustee shall serve as a member of the Society's Board of Governors and make such reports of the activities of the Pennsylvania Dental Association Board of Trustees as may be indicated.

CHAPTER VIII

COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS

Section 1

Members of all committees and councils of the Society, including those set forth in the Bylaws and special committees and councils, shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board, except as specially provided for in the Bylaws.
Committee and council chairpersons shall serve for a term of one year, with a maximum of five (5) consecutive terms, except as specially provided for in these Bylaws or by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board.
All committee and council appointees shall serve for a term of one (1) year, except as specially provided for in these Bylaws. Vacancies shall be filled by the President with the approval of the Board.
All committees and councils shall be composed of at least three (3) members, except as specially provided for in the Bylaws.
The President and the President-Elect shall be ex-officio members of all committees and councils.
Committees and councils shall refer all recommendations to the Board for action, unless otherwise directed by the Board in a written resolution setting forth the scope of authority of the committee or council.

Section 2 - COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Committees of the Board shall be composed of at least three (3), and no more than five (5), members of the Board of Governors.
There shall be four (4) Committees of the Board, with the following composition and/or duties:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE shall be composed of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and one elected member of the Board. The committee shall be chaired by the President and shall act as the administrative body of the Society.
CENTRAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE shall be chaired by the Secretary and shall be responsible for all matters regarding personnel and property in the management of the Society's Executive Office and all other property owned or operated by the Society.
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE shall formulate policy for all official publications and act in an advisory capacity to the Editor. The Editor shall be an ex-officio member.
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE shall review the Constitution and Bylaws, receive and consider all suggested changes to these documents, and make recommendations to the Board for approval and implementation.

Section 3 - STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing Committees shall be composed of at least five (5), and no more than seven (7), members of the Society who need not be members of the Board, except as specially provided for in these Bylaws.
The President shall assign one (1) officer or member of the Board to each committee to serve as liaison between the committee and the Board, but not as a member of the committee.
There shall be three (3) Standing Committees, with the following composition and/or duties:

ADVISORY COMMITTEE shall be composed of the Immediate Past President, President, President-Elect and seven (7) past presidents. The Immediate Past President shall chair the committee. It shall be available to advise the President in any matters upon request.
FINANCE COMMITTEE shall supervise the financial operations of the Society and prepare an operating budget annually for approval by the Board. The committee shall be composed of seven (7) members as follows: the Treasurer; three (3) elected members of the Board, one of whom is in the third year of his/her term, one in the second year, and one in the first year, and who are not officers; and three (3) other members of the Society.
LIBERTY DENTAL CONFERENCE. This committee shall be called the Board of Directors of the Liberty Dental Conference and shall arrange for and present annually the Liberty Dental Conference.

COMPOSITION & TERM OF OFFICE. A maximum of thirteen (13) members as follows:

Elected Members - eight (8): Each year two (2) members of the Board of Directors shall be elected for a term of four (4) years at the Annual Business Meeting, and two (2) members of the Board of Directors shall be retired. Nominations shall be as provided for in Chapter XI of the Bylaws. A member who has retired from the Board of Directors shall not be eligible for re-election for one (1) year after retirement.
Ex-officio Members - five (5): The President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer and immediate past General Chairperson shall be ex-officio members.

CHAIRPERSONS. The Board of Directors shall elect its own chairperson-designate and general chairperson-designate prior to the January meeting of the Board of Governors and shall submit the results for approval of the Board of Governors at the January meeting.
DUTIES

To provide clinicians, essayists, scientific exhibits, technical demonstrations and other programs and exhibits for the Liberty Dental Conference.
To provide for all social activities of the Liberty Dental Conference.
To appoint such subcommittees and their chairpersons and members as it deems appropriate.
To submit all plans, programs and recommendations of the Board of Directors and subcommittees to the Board of Governors for approval.

LIBERTY DENTAL CONFERENCE STEERING COMMITTEE.

The Committee shall be responsible for the long range planning of the Liberty Dental Conference.
The Committee shall review the Rules and Regulations of the Liberty Dental Conference, when necessary, and make recommendations to the Board of Governors.

Section 4 - COUNCILS

Councils shall be composed of at least five (5), and no more than seven (7), members of the Society who need not be members of the Board, except as specially provided for in these Bylaws.
The President shall assign one officer or member of the Board to each council to serve as liaison between the council and the Board, but not as a member of the council.
There shall be six (6) Councils, with the following composition and/or duties:

COUNCIL ON ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS.

The Council shall act as liaison between the Society and other dental and allied professional organizations. The Presidents of the Philadelphia Dental Assistants Society, the Philadelphia Dental Hygienists Association and the Philadelphia Laboratory Owners Association shall be requested to serve on this Council.
The Council shall administer all scholarship programs and make recommendations to the Board for the granting of scholarship awards.
The Council shall develop policy and goals for the Society, including administrative protocol and guidelines, through strategic planning and shall make recommendations to the Board of Governors for approval and implementation.

COUNCIL ON COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS.

The Council shall be responsible for all publicity for the Society, including all activities for the National Children's Dental Health Month, the National Senior Smile Week and other similar programs as developed by the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

COUNCIL ON EDUCATION.

The Council shall be composed of no more than thirteen (13) members and include representatives of general practice and all ADA recognized clinical specialties.
The Council shall arrange for and conduct all educational programs as directed by the Board.

COUNCIL ON MEMBERSHIP.

The Council shall be responsible for recruitment and retention of members, receive and review applications for membership and present membership recommendations to the Board of Governors.
The Councils shall encourage creation, retention and function of the American Student Dental Association chapters at Temple University School of Dentistry and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
The Council shall evaluate existing membership benefits, consider improvements and make appropriate recommendations to the Board of Governors.

COUNCIL ON GOVERNMENT RELATIONS.

The Council shall encourage the improvement of the health of the citizens of Pennsylvania and promote the art and science of dentistry by appropriate activities in matters of legislation and regulation.
The Council shall review legislative proposals, regulatory issues and government agency programs and formulate and recommend policies to the Board on these issues and programs.

COUNCIL ON PUBLIC & PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS.

The Council shall be responsible for monitoring the dental care activities of regional health planning and third-party payment organizations.
The Council shall be responsible for evaluating and disseminating information on the planning, administration and financing of dental benefit programs.
The Council shall consider inquiries from members regarding administrative policy decisions, processing or other delays of third-party payment companies.
The Council shall act as a mediation body in an attempt to resolve differences between dentists and patients, in accordance with the Statement on Patient Relations established by the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
The Council shall act as a mediation body in an attempt to resolve differences concerning third-party programs, in accordance with the Statement on Peer Review of the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
The Council shall advance the standards of professionalism and ethics of the profession. It shall be the agency to receive and/or initiate, consider and make recommendations to the Board of Governors concerning violations of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct and charges of breach of professional conduct by a member.
The Council shall study, develop and compile information on plans and programs designed to increase the availability of dental care to all segments of the population within the geographical area served by the Society and assist in the development of programs and policies related to public service.

Section 5 - CONSULTANTS AND ADVISORS

Each committee and council may propose consultants and advisors, who need not be members of the Society, for approval by the Board.

CHAPTER IX

DELEGATES AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

Section 1 - NUMBER

The number of Delegates and Alternate Delegates shall be as provided for in the Bylaws of the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

Section 2 - ELIGIBILITY

Only Active, Life or Retired Members in good standing in this Society shall be eligible to serve as Delegates or Alternate Delegates.

Section 3 - COMPOSITION

The President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Historian, PDA Trustee, Immediate Past President and the nine (9) elected members of the Board shall be Delegates to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
Additional Delegates shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting so that the total number of Delegates shall equal the number to which the First District is entitled.
Alternate Delegates shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting so that the number of Alternate Delegates shall equal the number of Delegates to which the First District is entitled.
The term of office shall be the fiscal year following election at the Annual Business Meeting.
Upon absence for any reason of any Delegate, at any called session of the House of Delegates at the Annual Session of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, the Chairperson of the Delegation shall have the power to name and appoint successors and fill the Delegation to the allotted number. Such successors shall be appointed from among:

First: Alternate Delegates present, in order of election.
Second: Other members of this Society in attendance at such session.

Section 4 - CHAIRPERSON

The President-Elect of the Society shall be the Chairperson of the Delegation, and the President shall be the Vice-Chairperson.

Section 5 - DUTIES OF DELEGATES AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES

The duties of Delegates are:

Attendance at all sessions of the House of Delegates.
Attendance at all caucuses of the First District.
Attendance at assigned Reference Committee Hearings.
Additional duties as assigned by the Chairperson.

The duties of Alternate Delegates are:

Attendance at the First District caucus held prior to the PDA Annual Session.
Additional duties as assigned by the Chairperson.
If appointed, assume the responsibilities of a Delegate.

Section 6 - POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CHAIRPERSON

The Chairperson shall call a meeting of the Delegation prior to the Annual Session and, when necessary, during the Session.
The Chairperson shall organize the Delegation, assign duties to individual Delegates when necessary in order to expedite the business of the House of Delegates, and promote the directives of the Board of Governors of this Society.

Section 7 - POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE VICE-CHAIRPERSON

The Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson when requested. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-chairperson shall assume the duties and powers of the Chairperson.

CHAPTER X

FINANCE

Section 1

The business of the Society shall be operated within a budget prepared for each fiscal year by the Finance Committee, subject to the approval of the Board. All committees and councils using funds of the Society in their work shall be required to present their budget requests to the Finance Committee in time to be considered in the annual budget.

Section 2

The fiscal year of this Society shall be from June 1 to May 31.

Section 3

All matters of finance shall be considered by the Finance Committee, which shall refer such matters to the Board with its recommendation for approval, modification or disapproval.

Section 4

Any unused balance in the budget accounts, or revenue not anticipated by the Finance Committee in setting up the annual budget, shall revert to the General Fund.

Section 5

All revenue accruing to the Society must be received and deposited in a financial institution by the Treasurer.

Section 6

Monies of the Society shall be allocated to the following funds:

General Fund.
Designated Funds.
Reserve Funds.

Section 7

The General Fund shall consist of all monies received, except those specifically allocated to Designated Funds or Reserve Funds.

Section 8

Designated Funds shall be specific funds authorized by the Board for specific purposes.

Section 9

The Finance Committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Governors as to the allocation of monies for investments.

Section 10 - DENTAL RELIEF FUND

The Dental Relief Fund shall be maintained for the sole purpose of granting financial aid to members of the Society, and funds may be granted upon the approval of the Board.

Section 11 - DUES

DUES. The annual dues of the Society shall be as follows:

The annual dues for Active, Associate, Student and Affiliate members shall be determined by the Board at the September meeting, upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee.
Active members who are classified recent graduate members by the American Dental Association shall pay the annual rate of dues as determined by the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the Society.
Active Life, Retired Life, Retired, and Honorary Members of this Society shall be exempt from paying Society dues.
Active members who are classified federal dental service members shall be exempt from Society dues, and shall have the option of paying their State and National dues through this Society.
Student members shall pay the annual rate of dues as determined by the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association and this Society.
Active members otherwise in good standing may be granted a waiver of dues under special circumstances, as determined by the Secretary of the Society.
A member who is under suspension by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry shall be required to pay the annual dues.
A member, while receiving assistance from the Relief Fund of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association, shall be exempt from the payment of dues and shall be considered to be in good standing during the period of such assistance.

PAYMENT OF DUES

All dues shall be payable in conformity with the schedule adopted by the American Dental Association.
Active Members shall pay the current rate of dues of this Society, the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the American Dental Association to this Society or to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, at the discretion of the Board.

CHAPTER XI

ELECTIONS

Section 1

Nominations of candidates as listed below shall be made by the Board, functioning as a Nominating Committee, at its January meeting.

Section 2

Nominees shall be proposed for each of the following offices:

President-Elect.
Secretary.
Treasurer.
Historian.
Editor (when applicable).
Trustee to the Pennsylvania Dental Association (when applicable).
Three (3) members of the Board.
Two (2) members of the Board of Directors of the Liberty Dental Conference.
Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the American Dental Association.

Section 3

Nominations for the Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the Pennsylvania Dental Association shall be proposed as follows:

The President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Historian, PDA Trustee, Immediate Past President and the nine (9) elected members of the Board shall be automatically designated as Delegates.
A list of additional nominees shall be prepared, which shall number at least ten (10) in excess of the total number of the balance of Delegates to which the Society is entitled, plus a number of Alternate Delegates equal to the total number of Delegates.
Additional nominations for Delegates and Alternate Delegates may be proposed from the floor at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 4

No person shall be a candidate for nomination without his/her consent and an expression of willingness to serve if elected.

Section 5

The complete list of nominees selected by the Board shall be published in the Society's official publication or by notice to the membership no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 6

Additional nominations may be made by written petition signed by at least twenty (20) Active Members in good standing. Such petitions must be submitted to the Secretary at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the Annual Business Meeting, and the Secretary shall make a prompt determination as to the eligibility of nominees and their willingness to serve if elected. No additional nominations shall be made from the floor at the Annual Business Meeting, with the exception of nominations for Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

Section 7

A ballot for all contested offices and for Delegates and Alternate Delegates shall be prepared by the Secretary, listing nominees proposed by the Board and additional nominees (in alphabetical order) whose names have been submitted and approved in accordance with Section 6.

Section 8

The President shall appoint a Teller's Committee to function at the Annual Business Meeting as tellers and judges of elections. Only Active, Life or Retired Members in good standing, who are not candidates for office, shall serve on the Teller's Committee.

Section 9

The election shall be by the membership at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 10

The ballot shall state the maximum number of candidates to be elected for each position to be filled.

Section 11

Ballots with more votes than the required number for any office shall be declared invalid and shall be disqualified for that portion of the ballot only.

Section 12

Failure to vote for the full number of candidates to fill vacancies shall not disqualify a ballot.

Section 13

Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected.

Section 14

In voting for Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, members shall vote for a number equal to the balance of entitled Delegates plus the number of entitled Alternate Delegates.

Section 15

The order of election of Delegates and Alternate Delegates shall be determined by the number of votes received. Those receiving the highest number of votes shall be designated as Delegates until this list is complete. Those following in order of number of votes shall be designated as Alternate Delegates to the total entitled. Ties will be resolved alphabetically.

Section 16

The chairperson of the Teller's Committee shall announce the list of all elected candidates and provide a complete tabulation of the official ballot to the Secretary.

Section 17

Seating of Alternate Delegates as required at the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Dental Association will be in order of the votes received on the tabulation of the official ballot.

Section 18

All ballots shall be kept for sixty (60) days and then destroyed.