HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5113
As Passed House:
April 5, 2023
Title: An act relating to faculty in dental schools.
Brief Description: Concerning faculty in dental schools.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, Randall, Holy and Nguyen; by request of Department of Health.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Postsecondary Education & Workforce: 3/14/23, 3/17/23 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 4/5/23, 98-0.
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.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 13 members:Representatives Slatter, Chair; Entenman, Vice Chair; Reed, Vice Chair; Ybarra, Ranking Minority Member; Waters, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hansen, Jacobsen, Klicker, Leavitt, McEntire, Paul, Schmidt and Timmons.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) A new dental school in Yakima is opening.  The school may need to bring instructors in from other states in the same manner that the University of Washington does.  The ability to license instructional faculty without examination should be extended to other accredited dental schools, instead of only the University of Washington.  This bill will increase access to needed oral health care in Washington. 

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Judy Warnick, prime sponsor; and Shawna Fox, Washington State Department of Health.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.