Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1271
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 denturism.
Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Johnson, Morrell, Green, Harris, Cody, Ryu and Tharinger.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/13
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Licensed denturists are authorized to:
make, place, construct, alter, reproduce, or repair a denture;
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 was opposed to any other non-orthodontic removable oral devices because it may lead to denturists treating obstructive sleep apnea.
Summary of Bill:
A licensed denturist may:
make, place, construct, alter, reproduce, or repair all non-orthodontic removal oral devices except devices to treat obstructive sleep apnea or "tempural mandibular joint dysfunction;" and
provide teeth whitening services, including making whitening trays and providing whitening solutions determined to be safe for public use.
Prior to being allowed to provide any of these services, a licensed denturist must provide documentation of training in providing the services.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2014.