(1) To renew a license a denturist must complete fifteen clock hours of continuing competency, each year following the first license renewal. The denturist must sign a declaration attesting to the completion of the required number of hours as part of the annual renewal requirement.

(2) A denturist who has an endorsement to provide nonorthodontic removable oral devices must complete two hours of continuing competency every three years. This must include continuing competency in the making, placing, constructing, altering, reproducing, or repairing of bruxism devices and snoring devices.

(a) These continuing competency credit hours may be used to meet the renewal requirements for the denturist license.

(b) Continuing competency credit hours will not be counted for instruction regarding devices or services intended to treat obstructive sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

(3) Acceptable continuing competency - Qualification of courses for continuing competency credit. The board will not authorize or approve specific continuing competency courses. Continuing competency course work must contribute to the professional knowledge and development of the practitioner, or enhance services provided to patients.

For the purposes of this chapter, acceptable continuing competency means courses offered or authorized by industry recognized state, local, private, national and international organizations, agencies or institutions of higher learning. Examples of sponsors or types of continuing competency courses include, but are not limited to:

(a) Courses offered or sponsored by the Washington Denturist Association, Oregon State Denturist Association, National Denturist Association, International Federation of Denturists, Washington State Dental Association or by programs approved by the board under WAC 246-812-200 through 246-812-230.

(b) Basic first aid, cardio pulmonary resuscitation, basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, or emergency related training such as courses offered or authorized by the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society; training offered or sponsored by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA); or any other organizations or agencies.

(c) All forms of educational media related to denturism, available through internet, mail or independent reading, that include an assessment tool upon completion, not to exceed five hours per year.

(d) A denturist who serves as a teacher or who lectures in continuing competency programs or courses, that contribute to the professional competence of a licensed denturist may accumulate the same number of hours obtained by licensed denturists attending the program or course not to exceed eight hours per year.

(e) Attendance at a continuing competency program with a featured speaker(s), not to exceed eight hours per year.

(f) Time spent preparing an original technical or clinical article for a professional publication not to exceed six hours per year.

(g) Nonclinical courses relating to denturist practice organization and management, patient management, or methods of health delivery not to exceed four hours per year.

(h) Denturist licensure examination standardization and calibration workshops and clinical examination administration not to exceed five hours per year.

(i) Provision of clinical denturist services in a documented volunteer capacity when preceded by educational/instructional training prior to provision of services not to exceed five hours per year.

(j) Successful passage of the denturist jurisprudence examination not to exceed two hours every three years.

(k) Estate planning, financial planning, investments, and personal health courses are not acceptable.

(4) The board may disallow any claim of credit for a continuing competency course that does not meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.

(5) Failure to complete the continued competency requirements by time of license renewal, or failure to provide adequate documentation of completion, is grounds for denying renewal of the individual's license until such time as the denturist demonstrates compliance.

(6) Documentation required. Credit for a continuing competency course may not be claimed by a denturist unless the course organizer provides the denturist with documentation of course attendance.

(7) Exceptions. Upon a showing of good cause by the denturist, the board may waive the denturist from any, all, or part of the continuing competency requirements in this chapter or may grant additional time for the denturist to complete the requirements. Good cause includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Illness;

(b) Medical necessity or family emergency;

(c) Hardship to practice; or

(d) Other extenuating circumstances.

(8) The requirements of this section are in addition to the requirements in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7, related to continuing competency. The board may randomly audit up to twenty-five percent of licensed denturists for compliance with these rules, after the credential is renewed.