Injustice by the American Dental Association Against Denturists

To Federal Trade Commission's Gus Cherello,

Please see the following links. The first link has to do with the Wyoming Dental Board's proposed rules changes with the Wyoming Dental Practice Act. I was hired almost three years ago with a fine group of dentist who provided me with two operatories in their office to do the necessary procedures to fit dentures. It was made clear to me that my titles would be an assistant and laboratory technician. This has been working out fine for those that can afford the high prices of dentures through a dental office. I'm using my skills as a denturist to evaluate, take impressions, bite registrations and other procedures necessary to provide denture care.

Now six years later, after my private denturist practice was closed down by the Wyoming Dental Board for no reason other than the fact that I was expanding to another small town; the Wyoming Dental Board wants to make changes in the rules so that I can no longer take master impressions. The changes will definitely make enough difference in dental office procedures that it may cost me my position. I feel the changes in the rules are directed at me and the dental office I'm working with and to discourage other dental offices from hiring denturist. In a state such as Wyoming that does not regulate the denturist profession; the American Dental Association encourages the state dental boards to make changes in state laws that include making it a felony to provide denturist services to the public.

The American Dental Association has targeted the denturist profession which are clearly spelled out in ADA's Policies. As you know I'm a licensed Oregon denturist who felt after reading Wyoming's Dental Practice Act that I did not fall under their jurisdiction. I fought it in district court and the Wyoming State Supreme Court with the court ruling in the Wyoming State Dental Board's favor.

The second link is related to one of my peers. Bob is a good man. He is respected by fellow denturists throughout our profession. His story is just one more of the many across our nation regarding denturists and the injustice that the American Dental Association and it's affiliated state dental boards continue to impose on us as individuals; keeping us from working and providing the services we've been trained and educated to provide. This is an injustice to those people in need of our services that can not afford the high prices charged by dentist due to their overhead. Thank you for your consideration.

Gary W. Vollan L.D. www.wysda.org


http://plboards.state.wy.us/dental/PDF/Chapter7ProposedChanges(2010).pdf

http://www.sfweekly.com/2010-09-29/news/prosecutors-frown-on-guy-who-makes-dentures-for-ex-cons