Weber County (Utah). County Clerk Dentistry and Optometry Board certificates, 1907-1920.

This series contains certificates from the Boards of Examiners in Optometry and in Dentistry that were filed with the County Clerk. the earliest certificates found in the series were created in accordance with a law passed by the State Legislature in March 1894. The law required that all dentists receive a certificate in order to legally practice. Those already practicing were required to "register" by filing a notarized statement (name and office address) with the board of examiners in order to receive a certificate. Those entering the profession after the law took effect were required to complete an exam in dentistry observed by the board. The law also stated that applicants with diplomas from colleges "recognized by the National Association of Dental Examiners" could obtain a certificate. Following the obtainment of a certificate, applicants were required to file them with the appropriate county clerk. (Laws of Utah 1894, Ch. 52)

In 1909 the Legislature amended the law to create additional requirements for new applicants. This law required that the applicant, "is at least twenty-one years of age, of good moral character, and that he or she was a graduate of a reputable dental college, recognized by the National Association of Dental Examiners, or has practiced dentistry for at least two years, or has been a bona fide student of dentistry for at least three years, or has been under the immediate supervision of a reputable licensed dentist for at least three years" etc. The law also required a more extensive examination to be given by the board. Those already practicing simply demonstrated their legitimacy and legal authorization to practice. As before, a copy of the certificate was filed with the appropriate county clerk. (Laws of Utah 1909 Ch. 38)

In 1907 the State Legislature act was passed which required all currently practicing and new Optometrists to obtain a certificate from the Board of Examiners in Optometry in order to legally practice. In order to obtain a certificate, new Optometrists had to complete an examination in Optometry given by the board. Those currently practicing were required to file an affidavit to the board certifying their legitimacy in order to receive a certificate. The law also stated, "Recipients of said certificate of registration shall file the same or certified copy thereof, with the County clerk of the county in which they practice." Applicants were also required to renew every year. (Laws of Utah 1907, Ch. 85)

The certificates in this series include such information as name of the applicant, county of residence, signatures of Board of Examiner members, and the date and place the certificate was signed. The filing date and the signature of the county clerk are found on the reverse side. It should be noted that the original date of the certificates is often years earlier than the date of filing with the county clerk.