DENTAL SERVICES: Davis Vetoes Dental Director Bill

      Gov. Gray Davis yesterday returned SB 1235 to the Senate without his signature. The bill would have required the state Director of Health Services to appoint a State Dental Director to administer state dental programs and develop recommendations to consolidate and streamline oral health programs. In his veto message, Davis wrote that the "intent of the bill is worthy," but cited necessity and cost as barriers to his support. He wrote: "Current law already requires DHS to maintain a dental program administered by a dentist appointed by the Director of the state Department of Health Services. This bill would also result in General Fund administrative costs of $150,000 in 1999-00 and $300,000 annually thereafter. Coordination of dental care components of these programs could be achieved through efforts undertaken within the department" (Davis release, 9/27).