Kentucky Legislature to License Denturists
In Kentucky, dentures are made by “denturists” — that is, people who are trained to make dentures, but who must work in conjunction with a dentist. A new measure approved by the Kentucky legislature would make it possible for denturists to work independently provided they apply for and earn a state license.
The intended purpose of the bill was to hlp low-income people to obtain dentures in a state where there is a shortage of dentists — especially in rural areas. However, the Kentucky Dental Association has expressed concern that denturists do not have the necessary skills to identify other problems that can appear at the same time as tooth loss — such as oral diseases and other problems.