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Dental board relocates office and moves to new licensing system; requests only staff progressions
Summary
The Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners told the subcommittee it relocated to lower-cost office space, is implementing a new licensing database shared with other health boards, and is seeking only salary progressions for staff in FY26.
The Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners briefed the appropriations subcommittee that it relocated office space to reduce rent and is rolling out a new licensing and database system shared with the state's medical, nursing and pharmacy boards.
Executive Director Denny Heidrick said the board moved to a lower-cost office in the same complex as the state nursing board and that the board received one-time authority last year to purchase a new licensing system; implementation is underway with a target completion date of April 1. Heidrick said the agency now oversees nearly 8,000 licenses and operates with eight employees.
The board asked only for salary progressions in FY26; staff turnover is low and the board said progressions would help retain employees. Senators asked about the relocation and whether downtown placement would be feasible; Heidrick said the chosen location offered lower per-square-foot rent and secure parking, but said some employees would welcome a downtown move.
Ending: Committee members thanked the board and sought copies of site-proposal materials related to downtown options for future consideration.
