Politics
Politics

How much did Gov. Deal know about his state dental board pick?

Gov. Nathan Deal, left, appointed Dale G. Mayfiled, right, a corporate executive of Marietta-based Kool Smiles, to Georgia’s Board of Dentistry in February 2016. (Reann Huber/Reann.Huber@ajc.com; Johnny Edwards/jredwards@ajc.com; Kool Smiles website)
Gov. Nathan Deal, left, appointed Dale G. Mayfiled, right, a corporate executive of Marietta-based Kool Smiles, to Georgia’s Board of Dentistry in February 2016. (Reann Huber/Reann.Huber@ajc.com; Johnny Edwards/jredwards@ajc.com; Kool Smiles website)
By John Edwards
Feb 12, 2018

Dale G. Mayfield, an executive for the Kool Smiles chain of dental clinics, filled out an application to be on Georgia's dental licensing board in February 2016. Three days later, Gov. Nathan Deal issued an order appointing him to the Georgia Board of Dentistry.

“Mayfield is the chief dental officer of Kool Smiles,” Deal’s news release said.

But if anyone had bothered to research the company at the time, they would have known Kool Smiles faced government scrutiny over its treatment of children. They would have found a bounty of web articles and TV news reports.

So what happened? That’s not something the governor seems interested in talking about.

Read more of the AJC's investigation at MyAJC.com.

About the Author

John Edwards
More Stories

Keep Reading

Voters leave the Wills Park Recreation Center in Alpharetta, Ga., on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Advocacy groups challenge Georgia election law in federal court

A federal judge on Wednesday weighed whether to dismiss a lawsuit challenging provisions of Georgia's 2024 elections overhaul law.

OPINION

Congress is back. But that doesn’t mean momentum for a health insurance deal.

The Thanksgiving recess didn't do much to break the impasse in Congress over expiring health insurance subsidies.

Athens area voters to decide new state representative in special election

With a state House seat in Athens open, Republicans are looking to preserve the seat while Democrats are hoping to flip it.

The Latest

Now that President DonaldTrump has stopped the cost-sharing reduction subsidies that help lower-income Obamacare customers afford out-of-pocket costs, the ball is in Congress’ lap. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)
OPINION

Congress is back. But that doesn’t mean momentum for a health insurance deal.

Advocacy groups challenge Georgia election law in federal court

LISTEN

State lawmaker Houston Gaines explains why he’s running for Congress

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta opens door on first modular rapid-housing for homeless residents

The first-of-its-kind development, Waterworks Village, overlooks the nearby reservoir. It's part of Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative to build 500 units of for the unhoused.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Local GOP sees ‘danger’ in a chaotic race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican leaders in Georgia's 14th Congressional District worry a crowded field in a special election could give Democrats a chance to win.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Two centennials, one story: Delta and the Atlanta airport

Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson both turn 100 this year, and you can’t tell the story of one without the other.