Article 1

Name, Character and Head Office

1 - The Portuguese Dental Association, hereafter referred to as the OMD, is the organization which, in compliance with the clauses contained in these statutes and other legal regulations in force, represents all those who practise dentistry in Portugal.

2 - The OMD is independent from State bodies and free and autonomous in its regulations.

3 - The OMD is a registered professional association, with head office in the city of Porto.

Article 2

Ambit

1 - The OMD's competence and jurisdiction, as defined by these statutes, include the entire territory of the Portuguese Republic.

2 - The OMD's competence and jurisdiction are applicable to the activities and professional practice of the dentists registered, even if these activities are carried out beyond Portuguese borders.

Article 3

Definitions

1 - Dentistry is hereby defined as the study, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the teeth, mouth, jaws and adjacent tissues.

2 - A dentist is a graduate from a University or Higher Education School of Dentistry in Portugal or abroad. In the latter case, the dentist must obtain the equivalence of his or her degree, as recognized by the OMD. Graduates from any other type of dental schools must also obtain their equivalence, in compliance with the regulations in force, as well as the OMD¿s recognition.

Article 4

Competences of the OMD

1- It is within the competence of the OMD to:

a) uphold the ethics, deontology and professional qualification of its members, in order to guarantee and protect the population's right to competent dental care;

b) promote and support the interests of dentistry at all levels, especially by supervising the social function, dignity and prestige of dentistry and of social security;

c) encourage the development of dental awareness, collaborating in all aspects with the national policy of health, particularly in that which concerns teaching and training;

d) advise on the various issues related to the teaching and practice of dentistry, and to the organization of services concerned with this field of medicine, whenever considered necessary or when requested by the competent official authorities;

e) advocate the enforcement of the law and of these statutes, especially in that which concerns the profession and the dentistry degree, taking legal action, if necessary, to curb illegal or unqualified practice;

f) promote the improvement of dentists¿ qualifications and actively participate in post-graduate training;

g) grant the degree of dentistry and regulate the practice of this profession;

h) grant specialty degrees, in compliance with the applicable regulations.

2 - Whenever essential to carry out its activities, the OMD shall open branch councils or other forms of representation in any part of the Portuguese territory, in addition to those defined in these statutes.

3 - Further to the previous paragraph, when justified by the number of dentists registered in the OMD, and in compliance with these statutes, regional bodies will be created, in order to guarantee decentralization and more direct participation.

Article 5

Representation

1 - In courts of law and in all other instances, the OMD shall be represented by its president.

2 - For the defence of its members regarding all matters related to the practice of dentistry or the discharge of duties in the OMD¿s bodies, the OMD has the right to act as legal counsellor or give its endorsement in any kind of process, whether brought by or against its members.

3 - When acting as counsellor in any legal process, the OMD may choose to be represented by a different solicitor from those representing the other parties, should these be required.

Article 6

Appeals

1 - The decisions made by the OMD authorities while in office may be appealed to higher bodies, in compliance with these statutes.

2 - Any appeals must be brought within 30 days, except when otherwise specified.

3 - Final and binding resolutions made by the OMD may be appealed to the administrative court, in compliance with the legislation in force.

Article 7

Freedom of Association

The OMD may join any union, federation or association, whether national or international, committed to the upholding of the professional class, and shall cooperate with other health professionals, through their respective associations, for the sake of health promotion and protection.

Article 8

Ammendments and Demise

1 - Any amendments to these statutes shall require the vote of the dentists registered in the OMD, and shall only be valid when approved by a two-thirds majority.

2 - The same formality applies for the demise of the OMD, although a majority of three-fourths shall be required.

Article 9

Interpretation

Should the interpretation or application of these statutes raise any doubts, they shall be resolved by the Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee.