Title 18, BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS

(1)(a) Subject to RCW 18.29.230 and (e) of this subsection, dental hygienists licensed under this chapter with two years' practical clinical experience with a licensed dentist within the preceding five years may be employed, retained, or contracted by health care facilities and s…

(1)(a) Any person licensed in this state as a dental hygienist with two years of practical clinical experience within the preceding five years may perform delegated acts specified in (b) of this subsection on a homebound patient under the general supervision of a dentist licensed…

Upon passing an examination and meeting the requirements as provided in RCW 18.29.021, the secretary of health shall issue to the successful applicant a license as dental hygienist. The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the operation room where such licensee sh…

The secretary shall establish the administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees for renewal of licenses as provided in this chapter and in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. [ 1996 c 191 s 11; 1991 c 3 s 49; 1989 c 202 s 2.]

The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter. [ 1987 c 150 s 15; 1986 c 259 s 31.] Notes: Severability—1987 c 150: See RCW 18.122.901. Severability—1986 c 259…

Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. It shall be the duty of the prosecuting attorney of each county to prosecute all cases involving a violation of this chapter arising within his or her county. The attorney general may ass…

There shall be a dental hygiene examining committee consisting of four practicing dental hygienists and one public member appointed by the secretary, to be known as the Washington dental hygiene examining committee. Each dental hygiene member shall be licensed and have been activ…

The secretary in consultation with the Washington dental hygiene examining committee shall: (1) Adopt rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW necessary to prepare and conduct examinations for dental hygiene licensure; (2) Require an applicant for licensure to pass an examinati…

In addition to any other authority provided by law, the secretary may: (1) Adopt rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW necessary to implement this chapter; (2) Establish forms necessary to administer this chapter; (3) Issue a license to any applicant who has met the educatio…

The secretary shall establish by rule the standards and procedures for approval of educational programs and may contract with individuals or organizations having expertise in the profession or in education to report to the secretary information necessary for the secretary to eval…

(1) The secretary shall establish the date and location of the examination. Applicants who meet the education requirements for licensure shall be scheduled for the next examination following the filing of the application. The secretary shall establish by rule the examination appl…

The secretary, members of the committee, and individuals acting on their behalf are immune from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based on any acts performed in the course of their duties. [ 1991 c 3 s 56; 1989 c 202 s 8.]

The committee shall meet at least once a year and at such times as may be necessary for the transaction of business. A majority of the committee shall constitute a quorum. A vacancy in the committee membership shall not impair the right of the remaining members of the committee t…

The following practices, acts, and operations are excepted from the operation of this chapter: (1) The practice of dental hygiene in the discharge of official duties by dental hygienists in the United States armed services, coast guard, public health services, veterans' bureau, o…

(1) The department shall issue an initial temporary license without the examination required by this chapter to any applicant who, as determined by the secretary: (a) Holds a valid license in another state or Canadian province that allows a substantively equivalent scope of pract…

The secretary in consultation with the dental hygiene examining committee shall develop rules and definitions to implement this chapter. [ 1993 c 323 s 4.]

For low-income, rural, and other at-risk populations and in coordination with local public health jurisdictions and local oral health coalitions, a dental hygienist licensed in this state may assess for and apply sealants and apply fluoride, and may remove deposits and stains fro…

A dental hygienist participating in a program under RCW 18.29.056 that involves providing services at senior centers, as defined in RCW 18.29.056, or under RCW 18.29.220 that involves removing deposits and stains from the surfaces of teeth in a community-based sealant program mus…

Words used in this chapter importing the singular number may also be applied to the plural of persons and things. Words importing the plural may be applied to the singular, and words importing the masculine gender may be extended to females also. [ 1923 c 16 s 37.] Notes: Number …

The state of Washington finds that to realize the state's current statutory policy of regulating health professions at the least restrictive level consistent with the public interest, a program of licensure for denturists should be established. The intent of the legislature is to…

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Board" means the Washington state board of denturists. (2) "Denture" means a removable full or partial upper or lower dental appliance to be worn in the mouth to rep…

(1) Before making and fitting a denture, a denturist shall examine the patient's oral cavity. (a) If the examination gives the denturist reasonable cause to believe that there is an abnormality or disease process that requires medical or dental treatment, the denturist shall imme…

No person may represent himself or herself as a licensed denturist or use any title or description of services without applying for licensure, meeting the required qualifications, and being licensed as a denturist by the board, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter. [ 2013 c …

Nothing in this chapter prohibits or restricts: (1) The practice of a profession by an individual who is licensed, certified, or registered under other laws of this state and who is performing services within the authorized scope of practice; (2) The practice of denturism by an i…

(1) The Washington state board of denturists is created. The board shall consist of seven members appointed by the secretary as follows: (a) Four members of the board must be denturists licensed under this chapter, except initial appointees, who must have five years' experience i…

(1) The board shall elect a chairperson of the board annually. The same person may not hold the office of chairperson for more than three years in succession. (2) A majority of the board members appointed and serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of board business. The…

The board shall: (1) Determine the qualifications of persons applying for licensure under this chapter; (2) Prescribe, administer, and determine the requirements for examinations under this chapter and establish a passing grade for licensure under this chapter; (3) Adopt rules un…

The secretary shall issue a license to practice denturism to an applicant who submits a completed application, pays the appropriate fees, and meets the following requirements: (1) A person currently licensed to practice denturism under statutory provisions of another state, terri…

An applicant with military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements of this chapter unless the board determines that the military training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of the state. [ 2013 c 171 s 4; 2011 c 32 s 1.…

The board shall administer the examinations for licensing under this chapter, subject to the following requirements: (1) Examinations shall determine the qualifications, fitness, and ability of the applicant to practice denturism. The test shall include a written examination and …

(1) The licensing period, administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees shall be determined by the secretary as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. (2) The license shall contain, on its face, the address or addresses where the license holder will perform t…

The board shall establish by rule the requirements for renewal of licenses to practice denturism, but shall not increase the licensure requirements provided in this chapter. The secretary shall establish administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees for license…

The Uniform Disciplinary Act, chapter 18.130 RCW, shall govern the issuance and denial of licenses, unauthorized practice, and the discipline of persons licensed under this chapter. The board shall be the disciplinary authority under this chapter. [ 2013 c 171 s 6; 1995 c 336 s 3…

(1) An individual may place his or her license on inactive status. The holder of an inactive license shall not practice denturism in this state without first activating the license. (2) An inactive license may be placed in an active status upon compliance with rules established b…

Notwithstanding any other provision of state law, a licensed denturist may enter into a partnership or other business association with a dentist, provided that such association does not impede the independent professional judgment of either party. [ 1995 c 1 s 16 (Initiative Meas…

Prior to providing the services mentioned in RCW 18.30.010(5) (c) and (d), a licensed denturist must provide documentation to the board that he or she received education and training on providing the services. The board must, by rule, specify the education and training necessary …

This chapter may be known and cited as the Washington state denturist act. [ 1995 c 1 s 17 (Initiative Measure No. 607, approved November 8, 1994).]

The legislature finds that the health and well-being of the people of this state are of paramount importance. The legislature further finds that the conduct of members of the dental profession licensed to practice dentistry in this state plays a vital role in preserving the healt…

See chapter 18.120 RCW.

Words used in the singular in this chapter may also be applied to the plural of the persons and things; words importing the plural may be applied to the singular; words importing the masculine gender may be extended to females also; the term "commission" used in this chapter shal…

A person practices dentistry, within the meaning of this chapter, who (1) represents himself or herself as being able to diagnose, treat, remove stains and concretions from teeth, operate or prescribe for any disease, pain, injury, deficiency, deformity, or physical condition of …

The following practices, acts, and operations are excepted from the operation of the provisions of this chapter: (1) The rendering of dental relief in emergency cases in the practice of his or her profession by a physician or surgeon, licensed as such and registered under the law…

The Washington state dental quality assurance commission is established, consisting of 21 members each appointed by the governor to a four-year term. No member may serve more than two consecutive full terms. Members of the commission hold office until their successors are appoint…

The governor may remove a member of the commission for neglect of duty, misconduct, or malfeasance or misfeasance in office. Whenever the governor is satisfied that a member of the commission has been guilty of neglect of duty, misconduct, or malfeasance or misfeasance in office,…

Members must be residents of this state. Dentist members must be licensed dentists in the active practice of dentistry for a period of five years before appointment. Of the twelve dentists appointed to the commission, at least four must reside and engage in the active practice of…

The commission shall elect officers each year. Meetings of the commission are open to the public, except the commission may hold executive sessions to the extent permitted by chapter 42.30 RCW. The secretary of health shall furnish such secretarial, clerical, and other assistance…