Texas Governor Greg Abbott has made his picks for the state's Dental Review Committee, an official announcement revealed last week. The governor's office appointed Lois Palermo to the committee while reappointing Danielle Franklin, D.D.S., and Raymond L. Wiggins, D.D.S., M.D., with each of their terms slated to run until February 1, 2031, as detailed in an official statement on the Governor's website. This committee acts as an intermediary in the settlement process for contested cases against licensed dentists, aiming to informally dispose of such cases and advise on any necessary actions or reprimands.
In their respective roles, committee members like Palermo, a dental hygienist from League City, will serve on panels that assess allegations against fellow professionals. Palermo brings experience from her position at Drs. Castille and Castille and her academic foundation from Del Mar College and the University of Houston. She also holds memberships in several dental associations, according to the announcement.
Alongside Palermo, Franklin returns to her position with a background in both the practical and educational spheres of dentistry. As an owner of Sunflower Dental in Dallas and a past president of a local dental study group, her reappointment adds a level of continuity to the committee. Her academic qualifications trace back to Texas A&M University, where she completed her undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees.
Completing the trio of appointees, Wiggins—an oral and maxillofacial surgeon based in Katy—brings a dual expertise in dentistry and medicine to the table. His list of accolades and memberships spans from being a diplomate and fellow of various national oral surgery and anesthesiology organizations to serving on boards for state-level oral surgery groups. Wiggins’s academic credentials are extensive, with degrees from notable institutions such as Southern Methodist University and McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, as highlighted on the state's website. The experience of each appointee underscores Governor Abbott's focus on maintaining a seasoned and well-informed Dental Review Committee.
With these appointments, the committee stands poised to continue its charge, making informed decisions to uphold standards within Texas's dental community. The individuals appointed will offer insight and judgment, contributing to the state’s health regulatory framework through their combined years of experience across various facets of dental health professions.
