Staff Report with Final Results: State Board of Dental Examiners Page: 39
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Sunset Advisory Commission
ISSUE 5
A Continuing Need Exists for the State Board of Dental Examiners.
Background
Dentistry, as defined by Texas statute includes a range of activities from the diagnosis, treatment or
removal of stains and decay from human teeth to surgical and other treatment for disease, pain, injury
or physical condition of human teeth, gums, or jaws. Dental hygiene, a supporting function of dentistry,
generally includes removal of tarter or calculus build up and polishing of human teeth, along with other
functions and tasks delegated by licensed dentists. Dental assistants can perform a number of supporting
acts under the delegation and direct or general supervision of a dentist. Dental laboratories generally
make, repair, and fit dental appliances such as dentures.
Dental care is one of the longest-standing Texas state regulations, dating back to the creation of the
State Board of Dental Examiners in 1897. Sixty years later, the legislature provided for the licensure
and regulation of dental hygienists. Dental laboratories were added to the board's regulatory activity
in 1973, and four dental assistant certificate programs were established in statue and rule beginning in
1995. Since 1994, the Western Regional Examination Board has administered licensing examinations
for dentists and dental hygienists seeking licensure in Texas, allowing the agency to focus on licensing
and enforcement functions.
The board seeks to protect public health and safety by issuing licenses and registrations; investigating
and resolving complaints relating to the practice of dentistry or supporting functions; and generally
enforcing the Dental Practice Act. In fiscal year 2015, the board licensed 17,540 dentists and 13,740
dental hygienists; issued 50,469 dental assistant certificates; and registered 909 facilities.
Findings
The state has a continuing need for regulating the practice of
dentistry and supporting functions.A primary role of the state is to protect the public from harm. For certain
professions and occupations, the state seeks to provide this protection through
regulation designed to ensure qualified practice and effective enforcement when
practice standards are not met.
" Potential for harm. For dentistry, the risk to the public is clear. Dental
activities can affect the major life functions of eating and speaking, as
well as overall health and appearance. Improper practice of dentistry can
result in a range of physical harm to patients, from the unnecessary loss
of teeth to infection, pain, and even death. Dentistry may involve the
use of anesthesia in dental procedures, and this access to drugs heightens
the risk to the public. Dentistry also generally involves treatments and
diagnoses well beyond a patients' ability to judge need or address on their
own. Adverse results can be profound not just to one's health and safety,Improper practice
of dentistry can
result in a range
of physical harm
to patients.State Board of Dental Examiners Staff Report with Final Results
Issue 539
June 2017
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Allensworth, Anne; Davis, Julie; Roberson, Dawn & Walraven, Joe. Staff Report with Final Results: State Board of Dental Examiners, report, June 2017; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1033191/m1/71/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.