Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 2881


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning the practice of dentistry.

Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Kenney and Cody.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates an exception to examination requirements for those dental license applicants who have practiced in another state for at least three years.

Hearing Date: 1/31/08

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

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 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 of Bill:

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 three years and met all other requirements.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.