Brief Description: Concerning the practice of dentistry.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Hinkle, Kenney and Cody).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

Applicants for a license to practice dentistry may obtain a license without fulfilling the examination requirement if they: (1) hold a license in another state where they are actively practicing; and (2) graduated from a dental school that has been approved by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (Commission). The Commission has established rules to adopt the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation (ADACA) standards for the approval of dental schools and has approved all dental schools accredited by the ADACA as of 1993. The Commission's rules also require those applicants who graduated from a dental school that is not accredited by the ADACA, but is either otherwise approved by the Commission or listed by the World Health Organization, to complete at least two additional pre-doctoral or post-doctoral years of dental education.

Summary:

An applicant for a license to practice dentistry in Washington who has not graduated from a dental school approved by the Commission may obtain a license without meeting the examination requirement if he or she has practiced dentistry in another state for at least four years, completed a one year post-doctoral residency approved by the Commission, and met all other licensing requirements.

By November 15, 2009, the Commission must report to the Governor and the Legislature with recommended licensing standards for foreign-trained dentists. The recommendations must consider the balance between maintaining professional quality and having an adequate supply of dentists in Washington. The recommendations must also consider the use of standards established by accrediting organizations.

The act expires on July 1, 2010.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   94   3
Senate   47   0   (Senate amended)
House   93   0   (House concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008