FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1271

C 172 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning the practice of denturism.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Jinkins, Johnson, Morrell, Green, Harris, Cody, Ryu and Tharinger).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Senate Committee on Health Care

Background:

Licensed denturists are authorized to:

• make, place, construct, alter, reproduce, or repair a denture; and

• take impressions and furnish or supply a denture directly to a person or advise the use of a denture, and maintain a facility for the same.

To be licensed, a denturist must either:

• graduate from an approved educational program and pass an examination; or

• be licensed in another state and provide proof of passage of examination.

In 2012 the Department of Health (DOH) conducted a sunrise review to determine whether the scope of practice of denturists should be broadened to include:

• making, placing, constructing, altering, reproducing, or repairing all non-orthodontic removable oral devices; and

• teeth whitening using bleaching solutions of 20 percent or less.

The DOH concluded that denturists should be allowed to fabricate and fit mouth guards for teeth grinding (bruxism) or sports mouth guards if:

• adequate training standards are set in law;

• a dentist examines the patient prior to the fitting or fabrication of a bruxism device to ensure that there is no temporomandibular disorder;

• a patient fitted with a mouth guard for bruxism is required to visit a dentist for follow-up; and

• a patient fitted with a mouth guard for bruxism is encouraged in writing to have regular dental checkups and to identify any adverse effects of bruxism or from the device.

The DOH also concluded that:

• denturists should be allowed to provide teeth whitening trays and over-the-counter solutions for the patient's use at home if the patient is encouraged in writing to have regular dental checkups; and

• denturists should be allowed to take impressions and order removable cosmetic appliances regardless of whether the patient is missing teeth.

The DOH review recommended against expanding the denturist scope of practice to include any other non-orthodontic removable oral devices because such devices may lead to denturists treating obstructive sleep apnea.

Summary:

A licensed denturist may:

• make, place, construct, alter, reproduce, or repair all the following non-orthodontic removable oral devices, excluding devices to treat obstructive sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, when accompanied by written encouragement to have regular dental checkups with a licensed dentist:

  • bruxism devices;

  • sports mouth guards;

  • removable cosmetic appliances, regardless of whether the patient is missing teeth; and

  • snoring devices, only after a physician has ruled out snoring associated with sleep breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea; and

• provide teeth whitening services, including fabricating whitening trays, provide whitening solutions determined to be safe for public use, and provide required follow-up care and instructions for use of the trays and solutions at home.

Prior to being allowed to provide any of these services, a licensed denturist must provide documentation of education and training in providing the services, to be determined by rules adopted by the Board of Denturists.

Votes on Final Passage: