Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of John Bengtson, and the reappointment of Ronald King and Gerald McCoy to the Board of Dentistry.

Dr. John Bengtson, of Fairfax, has been practicing dentistry in Fairfax since 1971. He also practiced in Winthrop from 1964-83. He has served as chairman of the Southern District Dental Society. He received the First Annual Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Dental Association in 1995. He is also the recipient of an award from the American Dental Association for his volunteer service as a dentist in Israel and Mexico. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Dental School. He is appointed as a dentist member of the board for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007. He replaces Dr. Lewis Pierce on the board.

Dr. Ronald King, of Minneapolis, has been a dentist since 1972, and currently practices in St. Louis Park. He is a President of the Holistic Dental Association. He was a founding member of the Fulton Neighborhood Association, and is active in the National Ski Patrol. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Dental School, and was a part-time faculty member there from 1974-84. After dental school, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He is reappointed as a dentist member of the board for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007. He was first appointed to the board in 1999. This is his second term on the board.

Dr. Gerald McCoy, of Eden Prairie, retired in 1996 after spending sixteen years as superintendent of the Eden Prairie School District. He also worked in Burnsville as a teacher and principal. He was the 1988-89 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year, and the 1997 Distinguished Alumnus of Minnesota State University-Mankato. He holds a doctorate in education from the University of Minnesota. He is reappointed as a public member of the board for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007. He was first appointed to the board in 2002 to fill a vacant term.

The Board of Dentistry licenses dentists and dental hygienists, registers dental assistants, and establishes standards for continuing education. In addition, the board investigates complaints, and has the authority to revoke or suspend a license. The board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor.