(a) The commissioner or his designee may investigate the business and examine the books, accounts, records and files of any dental plan organization. For such purposes the commissioner or his designee shall have reasonable access to the offices and places of business, books, accounts, papers, records and files of all dental plan organizations. A dental plan organization shall keep and use in its business such books, accounts and records as will enable the commissioner to determine whether the dental plan organization is complying with the provisions of sections 38a-577 to 38a-590, inclusive, and with the regulations adopted pursuant to said sections. A dental plan organization shall preserve its books, accounts and records for at least five years, provided preservation by photographic reproduction or records in photographic form shall constitute compliance with sections 38a-577 to 38a-590, inclusive.

(b) For the purpose of the examination, the commissioner may, within the limits of funds appropriated for such purpose, contract with such persons as he may deem advisable to conduct the same or assist therein.

(c) At the discretion of the commissioner, the Commissioner of Public Health and the State Dental Commission may participate in the investigations and examinations described in this section to verify the existence of an effective dental plan.

(d) The expenses incurred in making any examination pursuant to this section shall be assessed against and paid by the dental plan organization so examined. Upon written notice by the commissioner of the total amount of an assessment, a dental plan organization shall become liable for and shall pay the assessment to the commissioner.