STATE HEALTH COORDINATING COUNCIL

February 19, 1987

The Honorable Joanne Brekke, Chair
House Human Services Committee
House Office Building 333
Olympia, Washington 98504

Dear Representative Brekke:

This is in response to your request that the State Health Coordinating Council review a draft of proposed legislation which would certify denturists.  HB 612 now contains the revisions recommended by the SHCC's Health Professions Review Committee. 

At its January 21, 1987 meeting, the SHCC upheld the recommendation of its Health Professions Review Committee THAT THE REVISED BILL BE ENACTED.  All were in agreement except for one abstention.

The SHCC's rationale for this recommendation follows:

1.     The percentage of denture wearers is decreasing and possibly the numbers are but there will continue to be a large number needing dentures in the future.

2.     While laudable, the state's Medicaid and the Dental Association's Access programs are not reaching all of those in need. 

3.     The educational requirements in this bill can be met because there is an ongoing, accredited denturitry education program in Milwaukee, Oregon.  Others, such as the Academy of Denturitry in Seattle, may well respond to demand once the occupation is legal for their students.

4.     Testimony was impressive on the fragility of the elderly with bone loss and medical problems coexisting with dental problems.  General dentists refer such cases to prosthodontists and we would expect denturists to do likewise.  Other mid-level practitioners in the health professions are taught to recognize their limitations and refer, so there is no reason to believe denturists would not do so. 

5.     We found no evidence that anyone has ever been harmed by denturists.  There is little threat to the public's health if denturists are allowed to serve the public with replacement dentures.

6.     With respect to partials, we have found no problems with the provision of partials by denturists though we would prefer to see positive and appropriate cooperation between dentists and denturists in order for that to be most successful.

7.     Denturists apparently charge less than dentists.  Having concluded the safety of their services, especially as applied to replacement dentures, the general public (regardless of income), insurance carriers, and the state Medicaid program should be able to benefit from this option.

A synopsis of the SHCC's public hearing and the staff analysis are enclosed.  The hearing tapes and sign-up sheet, material developed by the Dental and Denturist Associations, and the SHCC meeting tape are available upon request.  If we can be of further assistance to you and your staff, please do not hesitate to call. 

Sincerely,
Dan Rubin, Acting Executive Director
State Health Coordinating Council

Enclosures