Washington Dentistry Scope of Practice Expansion Thwarted

Thanks to an extremely coordinated effort led by the Washington State Medical Association, ASPS and a variety of other medical associations were able to successfully ensure that a potentially dangerous bill does not move further this session.

The bill, Senate Bill 5621, was introduced in the Washington legislature at the end of January and aimed to redefine the practice of dentistry to allow dentists to practice beyond their qualifications and training. Specifically, this measure would have allowed single-degree dentists to perform procedures including face-lifts, nose reshaping and eyelid surgeries.

The bill currently sits in the Committee on Health Care and is not expected to move further this session.

Protecting patient safety remains a priority issue and ASPS will continue to advocate for surgery by surgeons.