Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Nadene Bunge and the appointment of Mark W. Harris to the Board of Dentistry.

Nadene Bunge, of Rochester, is Dental Hygienist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She also serves as a Dental Hygiene Examiner for the Central Regional Dental Testing Service. Bunge received a B.S. in General Science/Dental Hygiene from the University of Iowa and a M.A. in Health and Human Service Administration from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. She is appointed as the dental hygienist member of the Board and will serve a four-year term which ends January 5, 2009. Bunge was first appointed to the Board in 2001. She currently serves as the Board's Secretary and as Chair of the Allied Dental Education Committee.

Dr. Mark W. Harris, of Tonka Bay, is a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Elk River. He received a B.S. in Engineering from New Mexico State University, a D.D.S. from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry, and a J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law. Dr. Harris also had a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He is appointed as a dentist member of the Board and will serve a four-year term which ends January 5, 2009. Dr. Harris replaces Dr. Susan Gross on the Board.

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.