Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1586
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 dental professions.
Sponsors: Representatives Macri and Cody; by request of Department of Health.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/17
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Licensed Dentists.
A licensed dentist may perform a variety of services, including diagnosing, treating, removing stains or concentrations from the teeth; operating or prescribing for any oral disease, pain, injury, deficiency, deformity, or physical condition; and furnishing, supplying, constructing, reproducing, or repairing any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure to be worn in the human mouth.
Dentists are licensed and disciplined by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC). In order to be licensed, a dentist must:
submit proof of graduation from a dental college, school, or dental department of an institution approved by the DQAC;
submit a recent picture; and
pass an examination.
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries.
Expanded function dental auxiliaries may perform the duties of a dental assistant and may also perform coronal polishing, give fluoride treatments, apply sealants, place dental x-ray film and expose and develop the films, give the patient oral health instruction, place and carve direct restorations, and take final impressions. In order to be licensed, an expanded function dental auxiliary must complete a dental assistant education program and an expanded function dental auxiliary education program approved by the DQAC and pass an examination.
The Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
The DQAC consists of sixteen members who serve four-year terms. Twelve of the members are dentists, two are expanded function dental auxiliaries, and two are public members.
Summary of Bill:
Licensed Dentists.
The requirement that an applicant for licensure as a dentist submit a recent photo is eliminated.
The Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
The membership of the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) is increased by one public member.
The DQAC may adopt rules for renewal requirements for a credential, including continuing education requirements for expanded function dental auxiliaries.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.