(a) This Code section shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Volunteers in Dentistry Act."

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board may issue a special license to qualifying dentists under the terms and conditions set forth in this Code section. The special license may only be issued to a person who is retired from the practice of dentistry and not currently engaged in such practice either full time or part time and has, prior to retirement, maintained full licensure in good standing in dentistry in this state.

(c) The special licensee shall be permitted to practice dentistry only in the noncompensated employ of public agencies or institutions, not for profit agencies, not for profit institutions, nonprofit corporations, or not for profit associations which provide dentistry services only to indigent patients in areas which are underserved by dentists or critical need population areas of the state, as determined by the board.

(d) The person applying for the special license under this Code section shall submit to the board a notarized statement from the employing agency, institution, corporation, or association on a form prescribed by the board, whereby he or she agrees unequivocally not to receive compensation for any dentistry services he or she may render while in possession of the special license.

(e) The examination by the board, any application fees, and all licensure and renewal fees may be waived for the holder of the special license under this Code section.

(f) If, at the time application is made for the special license, the dentist is not in compliance with the continuing education requirements established by the board for dentists in this state, the dentist may be issued a nonrenewable temporary license to practice for six months provided the applicant is otherwise qualified for such license.

(g) The liability of persons practicing dentistry under and in compliance with a special license issued under this Code section and the liability of their employers for such practice shall be governed by Code Section 51-1-29.1.

(h) This Code section, being in derogation of the common law, shall be strictly construed.