May/June 2000

Over the years, we have all heard countless experiences of individuals who wished: "If I had only bought that McDonald's franchise in the fifties, applied for that certain position, started paying into an IRA when I was young, bought a certain home," and the list goes on. Now, it is time for technicians to realize that their opportunity is knocking. The denturist profession has arrived. Denturists are practicing in many regions throughout our country. Among all of the denturist activity, in this country, a look at www.usdenturist.com will transform every one of us into believers. In just a few months denturists in several states will have accomplished numerous legislative and legal successes. Do you want to become a denturist practitioner? Like any worthwhile opportunity, we must grab it while it is knocking at our door. It is time that we as technicians take off the blinders. Do we realize the value of becoming a denturist practitioner? Are we willing to do what it takes to become one? Is fear stopping us from getting involved? Will we as individuals become adequately rewarded if we peruse the course of least resistance? This article will discuss these various avenues of reasoning.

This is a true account of a man who in 1984 became the first independently licensed denturist in Billings, Montana (license # 3). He immediately gained the respect of many technicians, dentists, oral surgeons, and even medical doctors. The gratitude that the public showed was unbelievable. He successfully treated patients who before they came to him, were not able to eat solid food. Can you imagine what it is like to be told, "I'm so happy because I can smile again," or " Now, I can eat apples and corn on the cob; I can even chew nuts." When you become a licensed denturist you will truly have become a professional. Is it worth the effort? You be the judge. Can we get the same satisfaction out of bush-wacking? Past experience shows that once denturists are licensed and have their own board, illegal practice comes to a halt.

Could our delay be due to fear? Traditionally, many technicians have been reluctant to get involved with denturist organizations because of fear of dentists finding out and somehow causing them to suffer consequences. However, things have changed. Today, denturist organizations have confidential memberships in which our only responsibility is to pay dues and stay informed. Is $100.00 twice a year going to break any one of us? If so, then we really need the denturist profession. If we want to become licensed denturists, we cannot afford to be complacent. We must learn a vital lesson from the many dental technicians in Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Maine, Montana and Washington who because of not acting in a timely manner, have completely missed the opportunity to become licensed.

Now is the time to get involved. If we do not yet have our own state organization, it would behoove us to join the American Denturist Advocacy Council. The American Denturist Advocacy Council is the most comprehensive builder and supporter of state associations. The dues for either organization are $200.00 annually or $100.00 semiannually. Do you see the vision? Do you realize that the profession of denturitry is standing at your front door? Don't be a procrastinator; join your state association or the American Denturist Advocacy Council-today!