Brief Description: Limiting the scope of chapter 18.260 RCW over certain dental assistant and education and training programs and certain volunteer dental assistant services.

Sponsors: By Representatives Cody, Hinkle and Schual-Berke.

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

Background:

In 2007 legislation was enacted which requires dental assistants to register with the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) by July 1, 2008. Dental assistants provide patient care and laboratory services as defined by the Commission. These services may only be provided under the close supervision of a dentist.

To become registered as a dental assistant, an applicant must complete a form with identifying information and pay a registration fee. Completion of a dental assistant education program is not required to become registered as a dental assistant, but it is a requirement for licensure as an expanded function dental auxiliary.

The registration requirements do not apply to the practice of dental assistants employed by the federal government or to expanded function dental auxiliary education and training programs and the students enrolled in those programs.

Summary:

Dental assistant education and training programs and dental assistant students enrolled in those programs are exempt from dental assistant regulations. Students are only exempt if they practice under the direction and supervision of a registered dental assistant, licensed expanded function dental auxiliary, licensed dental hygienist, or licensed dentist.

Volunteer dental assistants providing services under the supervision of a licensed dentist in a charitable dental clinic are exempt from dental assistant regulations.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   93   0
Senate   48   0   (Senate amended)
House   93   0   (House concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008