FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1721

C 282 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning dentistry.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller, Boldt, Fromhold and Wallace).

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

Dental schools generally require a college degree for admission and require four years of study to graduate. Study includes classroom instruction and laboratory work in the sciences as well as supervised treatment of patients during the last two years.

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission regulates the practice of dentistry in Washington. The practice of dentistry includes representing oneself as able to perform dental services, offering to perform dental services, operating an office for the practice of dentistry, or engaging in any practice that is included in dental school curricula. Unlicensed practice of dentistry is subject to penalties under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Summary:

Students in accredited dental schools approved by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission may practice dentistry under the direction and supervision of a dentist licensed in Washington who is a faculty member at a dental school.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 93  0

Senate 48  0

Effective: July 27, 2003