(a)
It is the intent of the Legislature that all persons licensed in this state to engage in the practice of dentistry shall be accorded equal professional status and privileges, without regard to the degree earned.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no agency of the state or of any city, county, city and county, district, or other political subdivision of the state shall discriminate, with respect to employment, staff privileges, or the provision of, or contracts for, professional services, against a licensed dentist solely on the basis of the educational degree held by the dentist.