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Bill

SB 5685

Creating the profession of dental therapist.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Noel Frame and 9 co-sponsors

Washington bill establishes licensed dental therapist profession to expand preventive and restorative dental care access in underserved areas through a new mid-level provider category.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5685

Legislative bill overview

SB 5685 establishes dental therapist as a new licensed dental profession in Washington State, creating a mid-level provider category between dental hygienists and dentists. The bill would allow dental therapists to perform a broader range of preventive and restorative dental procedures under supervision, expanding the dental workforce to address access gaps.

Why is this important

Dental therapist models have reduced wait times and expanded care access in other states and countries, particularly benefiting rural and underserved communities. Washington faces documented dental provider shortages, and this new profession could increase treatment capacity while potentially reducing costs for routine procedures.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice disputes: The dental profession may resist expanding what non-dentist providers can do, citing quality and patient safety concerns versus access advocates' arguments that supervision adequately protects patients
  • Insurance and reimbursement: Unclear whether dental plans and Medicaid will reimburse dental therapist services at rates that make the profession economically viable
  • Training and oversight requirements: Questions about educational standards, licensing requirements, and how extensively they must work under dentist supervision versus independently—more autonomy increases access but raises regulatory concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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