'THE VICTORY IS OURS'

January/February 2000

Now, we as denturists and dental technicians have the ability to stand up and join the victory. This will truly be the greatest victory, since the state dental practice statutes were enacted. Now, is the time to stand up and take your part in the quest for independence, pursuit of livelihood and happiness. It is time for you to receive due recognition for the valuable service that you contribute to the public. Denturists are coming out by the thousands. At this time we are working together to protect our interest as well as the publics' in providing them the best denture health care.

Numerous benefits will be added to us as we endeavor to serve in this high quality denture health care delivery system. Our first benefit will be the opportunity to provide a higher quality denture care delivery system to our patients at much lesser cost. The Federal Trade Commission report entitled, "Sale of Dentures" and several state legislative feasibility studies have proven that it is essentially advantages for the public to have availability to our services. Through education, the public will be assured of not only safe care; but also a better denture health care delivery system. In this country, we are fortunate have availability to the very best accredited denturist education.

Many technicians and denturists are currently enrolling in educational programs; some have graduated while others are apprehensive about going back to school. We want to offer assistance to any who may be apprehensive, or even complacent toward education. As a stepping stone, we are recommending that state law provide denturists the opportunity to obtain provisional licenses, allowing them to practice under the supervision of a dentist or Doctor of Medical Denturitry during the time that they are enrolled in an accredited denturist program. Under the current system, dentists are apprehensive about engaging denturists in their practice under supervised capacity. However, where the practice is legal a number of dentists are extremely open to the concept. Maine and Arizona denturists currently practice under this type of arrangement.

Currently, citizens and denturists everywhere, are preparing to challenge their state denture health care statutes. Twenty-one states currently have denturist organizations and the other twenty-eight will be established before June of 2000. Now is the time for you to join your state association. Memberships are confidential and dues are affordable. Challenge yourself to be a professional denturist practitioner. You can do it; you are not alone; we will aid you with sufficient direction and support. We also provide legal assistance for those who are subjects of prosecution; both professional and monetary. The most important way to benefit yourself, right now, is to join and support your state association. If your state does not yet have an association, e-mail us at everjo@juno.com or call (717) 728-9646. We are interested in you.