Article 10

Registration

1 - Registration in the OMD is compulsory for the practice of dentistry.

2 - Registration in the OMD is allowed to dentists as defined in Article 3, paragraph 2:

a) Registration in the OMD of foreign dentists graduated abroad shall depend on the need for dentists in the Portuguese health system, except when in compliance with community laws or with any other international agreements in force;

b) The OMD shall authorise the practice of dentistry and issue the practising certificates to foreign dentists whose equivalence diplomas have been recognized, in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 2.

3 - Applicants shall request their registration from the board of directors.

4 - A conviction for illegal practice of dentistry shall be sufficient reason to deny a dentist's registration for a period of five years following the end of the respective court sentence.

5 - When, according to the board of directors, there is sufficient evidence of illegal practice, although there has been no court decision in accordance with the previous paragraph, provisional registration shall be accepted until a verdict is reached.

6 - Should the dentist be acquitted, the registration shall be made permanent; in the case of a guilty verdict, that established in paragraph 4 shall apply.

7 - Once the period specified in paragraph 4 has ended, the dentist may again apply for registration, which may be denied or provisionally accepted, in compliance with the previous paragraphs, should the same reasons still be valid after the first decision.

8 - Registration denial and provisional registration must be duly accounted for and the applicant so notified.

Article 11

Suspension and Removal from the Register

1 - Registration shall be suspended to all those who:

a) have so requested, in accordance with the regulations specified by the board of directors;

b) have repeatedly failed to pay their fees, after deliberation by the board of directors;

c) have been punished with a suspension.

2 - Removal from the register shall be applied to those who:

a) have been punished with expulsion;

b) have so requested, due to voluntary retirement from dental practice.

Article 12

The Dentists's Duties

1 - It is within the dentist¿s duties to:

a) comply with these statutes and their regulations;

b) abide by the rules of conduct regulating the practice of dentistry;

c) keep professional secrecy;

d) keep up with and join in the OMD¿s activities, namely by attending the meetings of the general assembly and participating in working groups;

e) perform the duties to which he or she has been elected or appointed;

f) observe and support the observance of the deliberations and decisions of the OMD¿s ruling bodies, made in accordance with these statutes, as well as not to impair the OMD¿s goals;

g) uphold the good name and honour of the OMD;

h) act in agreement under any circumstances, for the defence of common interests;

i) inform the OMD, within 30 days, about change of address, retirement from professional activity and any impediments due to prolonged illness or military service;

j) pay the membership fees and other required costs.

2 - Failure to comply with the duties mentioned in the previous paragraph shall lead to the application of sanctions, as specified in these statutes.

Article 13

The Dentists's Rights

It is within the dentist¿s rights to:

a) request his or her registration in the OMD from the board of directors and to appeal against any decision that denies it;

b) vote for and be elected to the OMD¿s ruling bodies;

c) frequent the OMD's offices;

d) participate in the OMD's activities, namely through the meetings of the general assembly and working groups, by debating, voting and putting forward those suggestions and proposals considered relevant;

e) request the OMD's endorsement when needed for the defence of the dentist¿s professional interests or when his or her professional rights and guarantees have been aggrieved, as well as for the protection of the legitimate interest of the class;

f) request a meeting of the general assembly, in accordance with these statutes;

g) dissent from and appeal against any decisions by the OMD's ruling bodies that may be in breach of these statutes;

h) appeal against any sanction imposed on him or her, as well as against any decision affecting the rights described in this article;

i) benefit from social security schemes;

j) apply for his or her practising certificate and for all documents necessary for the practice of dentistry;

l) apply for his her specialty degrees, in accordance with these statutes and other applicable regulations;

m) request the validation of his or her professional qualifications;

n) receive information about all OMD activities, as well as all its regular or special publications;

o) be exempt from membership fees during periods of full incapacity for work longer than 60 days and after retirement, as long as all professional practice has been interrupted;

p) write prescriptions and issue medical certificates, in compliance with the applicable regulations and legislation in force;

q) request his or her suspension or removal from the register.