Denturist Practice Soon to be Regulated in Pennsylvania

March/April 2002

Various denturist associations have been strategizing their efforts in targeted states in the U.S. To date, they have been keeping information confidential pertaining to which states. However, the first of these states to be announced is Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Denturist Society has good reason to believe that Pennsylvania will be the next state to implement the licensed practice of denturitry. The state of Maine was the first state on the East Coast to license denturists. Strategists and legislators have been laying the foundation for regulated denturist practice in Pennsylvania for over five years.

    Dentistry is not at liberty to decide whether or not denturists practice. If it were left to them, denturist practice would never be regulated. Dentistry has neglected its privilege and duty to provide Pennsylvania’s citizens with adequate denture care. The legislators are aware that dentistry is solely interested in protecting its turf, however, the facts prove that denturists hold the high ground both educationally and experientially. On the other hand, statistics show that for decades dental schools have been neglecting to properly train their students in the area of denture care. In support of the facts, The Federal Trade Commission has stated in a report: "Unmet needs for denture care among the edentulous population are so pervasive as to present a serious public health problem."

    Pennsylvania’s population is over 11,000,000. Demographics have shown that Pennsylvania needs a total of 2,000 denturists. Approximately 1,500 are already practicing in some form. The PDS is in the process of increasing its members to 300 denturists. PDS is in the process of an aggressive national recruit, which will cease when that number is filled. PDS board members feel confident that the number of denturists will be filled shortly. All qualified denture technicians are welcomed by the PDS. Although meeting attendance is not a requirement, meetings are an excellent means for communication and will be held regularly. The PDS will assist its members in acquiring the necessary information to qualify for licensing.

    Assistance is also available by consultation with professional consultants. Anyone seeking assistance in the way of information or advice must be a fully paid member of the Pennsylvania Denturist Society. Applications may be obtained either by requesting at everjo@juno.com or by calling (717) 236-9669 and leaving one’s complete name, address and phone number. PDS will not send applications to anyone who does not leave all three segments of information.

    The February 9, 2002 PDS meeting was a success and had an exceedingly good attendance. Many decisions were made and much strategy was voted upon. They have acquired a lobbyist; thus beginning their campaign. PDS has gained much support from organizations through out the state. Its members have authorized a massive technician/ denturist recruiting campaign through out all states including Pennsylvania. An educational criterion was determined along with scope of practice and a final draft of the proposed denturist practice act was completed.

    The PDS is here to help all denturists and technicians who want to practice in Pennsylvania. Qualified denture technicians who want to become denturists will not have to get all their education at one time. Courses will be made available for both denturists and technicians within the state of Pennsylvania on a part time basis. Currently, there is an opportunity in the state of Pennsylvania that would most likely double or even triple the income of a lab owner or denture technician. The PDS invites all to work together in the great Keystone State of opportunity. All interested individuals must start with a membership application. The application fee is $300, which will be credited to your annual dues. Each member will receive an annual membership card.

    A few of the benefits PDS offers its members are timely information and updates by way of mail, a schedule of events including meetings, professional assistance, legal assistance, meeting privileges at no charge, information for state licensure and qualification and education assistance. The next PDS meeting is scheduled to be on Saturday May 11, 2002. Contact information: Pennsylvania Denturist Society 2023 North Second Street, Harrisburg PA 17102; Phone number (717) 236-9669.

Everett Van den Eeden, DDM, CDT

Editor