Statewide Initiatives -- Initiative 607

Initiative 607

Ballot title: Shall persons other than dentists be licensed to make and sell dentures to the public, as regulated by a new state board of denture technology?

Present law: Defines the furnishing or fitting of dentures as an element of the practice of dentistry. No person may legally prescribe or furnish dentures to a patient except a licensed dentist, or a person working under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Denturists are not currently licensed in the state of Washington.

Effect of Initiative 607: This measure would allow a new category of persons, licensed as denturists, to examine patients and make and fit dentures. The measure creates a state board of dental technology, which would establish standards for the practice of denturism, administer tests and examinations, issue and renew licenses for qualifying denturists, and have authority to discipline denturists who violate professional standards. A denturist could supply dentures directly to patients without the supervision or involvement of a dentist. However, denturists and dentists would be free to practice together if they wished, and dentists would still be permitted to furnish dentures as part of their practice.

------------- STATEMENT FOR -------------

Initiative 607 closely resembles measures that have been passed in Washington's surrounding states. Since 1979 in Oregon, 1982 in Idaho and 1984 in Montana, denturism has proved to be an effective, safe and affordable option for denture patients. Canada has recognized the profession of denturism for more than 30 years. These states and country have proved that a denturist is a competent and reliable alternative to a dentist for the provision of dentures.

In 1987, the State Health Coordinating Council under the Department of Social and Health Services found that denturists posed no threat to the public's health and that legislation on denturism should be enacted. Endorsers of Initiative 607 include the American Association of Retired Persons, Washington State Retired Teachers Association, Retired Public Employees, Washington State Labor Council and Citizens for Health.

Denturists are more than laboratory technicians. Initiative 607 does not include a grandfather clause, and it calls for individuals who wish to become licensed Washington denturists to pass a written and practical board certified exam. This exam covers college-level course topics such as microbiology, oral pathology, and partial denture construction and design.

Finally, the field of denturism has proved to lower the costs of dentures due to increased competition in the provision of dentures to the general public. Initiative 607 simply provides the citizens of Washington the freedom of choice for their denture care.

Statement prepared by Vallan Charronboth, chairman, Citizens for Affordable Denture Care; Harold Moss, mayor of Tacoma; Kurt Roehl, member of Washington Denturist Association. (Advisory committee: Alexander G. Schauss, Ph.D., executive director, Citizens for Health; John Demanovich, president, Retired Public Employees of Washington; Max Roffman, board of directors, Puget Sound Council of Senior Citizens; Martha Kemp, president, Washington State Retired Teachers Association; Lars Hennum, president, Washington State Council of Senior Citizens.)

----------------- STATEMENT AGAINST -----------------

The initiative is a threat to public health. Obtaining dentures is not like having a pair of shoes fitted at the local mall or buying magnifying eyeglasses at the drug store. Providing partials (removable bridges attached to natural teeth) and dentures (false teeth) is a complex health-care service and is part of overall dental care requiring the expertise of your dentist.

A few dental lab technicians can acquire a quick license through a loophole hidden in the fine print of Initiative 607. These technicians have no formal training in hands-on patient care. Senior citizens and others could place their oral health in the hands of unqualified technicians without the training to recognize unhealthy conditions. An ill-fitting denture or bridge destroys bone and teeth. Health care is too serious to "let the buyer beware!"

I-607 is backed by a small group who paid $200,000 to manipulate the election process. These few technicians who would gain a quick license have lobbied the Legislature for years and both Democrats and Republicans have said "No!" I-607 lacks public support. It only benefits the few technicians who paid to get this initiative on the ballot. Vote for good oral health. Vote against manipulation. Vote no on I-607.

Statement prepared by Dr. Victor J. Barry, Dr. Mary K. Smith and Dr. Ronald E. Harmon.