Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee
SB 5113
Brief Description: Concerning faculty in dental schools.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, Randall, Holy and Nguyen; by request of Department of Health.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows academic licenses for dentists to be associated with any accredited dental school in Washington, instead of only the University of Washington's School of Dentistry.
Hearing Date: 3/14/23
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:

Dentists are licensed and disciplined by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC).  In order to be licensed, a dentist must:

  • submit proof of graduation from a dental college, school, or dental department of an institution approved by the DQAC;
  • submit a recent picture; and
  • pass an examination.

 
The DQAC may issue licenses without examination to dentists licensed in other states who have been accepted for employment as faculty by the University of Washington's School of Dentistry.  Upon written request by the University of Washington's School of Dentistry, the DQAC may also issue limited licenses to:  (1) university postdoctoral students or residents in dental education; or (2) postdoctoral residents in dental residency programs.

 
Summary of Bill:

The licenses issued by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission associated with the University of Washington may be issued to any other institution of higher education in Washington accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.