(a) There is created the Board of Dental Examiners consisting of nine members. Six members shall be licensed dentists who have been engaged in the practice of dentistry in the state for five years immediately preceding appointment, two members shall be dental hygienists licensed under AS 08.32 who have been engaged in the practice of dental hygiene in the state for five years immediately preceding appointment, and one member shall be a public member.
(b) When making appointments of dentists and dental hygienists under (a) of this section, the governor may consider licensed dentists who have been nominated by the Alaska Dental Society and licensed dental hygienists who have been nominated by the Alaska State Dental Hygienists' Association.