What authority does the Executive Director possess?

The authority of the Executive Director includes conducting investigations and imposing penalties, making this the correct choice. This role is critical in ensuring that the standards of the profession are maintained and that any violations of ethical or legal standards are addressed promptly. The Executive Director acts as a key figure in enforcement, gathering evidence, and making determinations on disciplinary actions against licensed practitioners.

The other roles mentioned, while important, typically fall under different jurisdictions or specific boards within the dental regulatory framework. Oversight of dental assistant training programs may involve educational boards or specific committees rather than the Executive Director. Handling patient complaints is often a function carried out by designated complaint committees or boards rather than the Executive Director alone. Additionally, approving new dental schools is generally a responsibility of a specialized accrediting body or the state’s education department, not the Executive Director, who focuses more on enforcement and regulatory compliance. Thus, the Executive Director's primary function revolves around investigations and penalties, which is crucial for upholding the integrity of the dental profession.