ANALYSIS OF HOUSE BILL 1699

                Establishing continuing education for dentists.

Health Care Committee                         February 17, 1999

Washington State House of Representatives

SPONSORS:  Representatives Parlette and Cody.

BACKGROUND:  The practice of dentistry is licensed by the Department of Health, and no person may practice or refer to himself or herself as a dentist without being licensed.  The Dental Quality Assurance Commission qualifies applicants for licensure and acts as the disciplinary authority for unprofessional conduct under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Continuing education is a method of staying current with new developments in science and technology by taking approved courses or learning opportunities related to a field of expertise.  A number of the regulated health professions require continuing education as a condition for the renewal of licenses.

The dental commission does not have authority to establish a program of continuing dental education.

SUMMARY:  The Dental Quality Assurance Commission is authorized to establish a continuing dental education program for applicants renewing their dental licenses.