Since the introduction of immediate temporization of dental implants on the day of surgery there has been a mad rush to provide as many patients with this treatment as possible. It is technically difficult, requiring some training and much experience. Converting a denture to a fixed provisional restoration during a surgery requires technical training and skill. When the surgeons started aggressively promoting the same-day, fixed restoration they were not prepared for the lack of manpower to perform the procedure. For many dentists, the procedure was oversold and the accompanying support was not available through their referrals.
This is when “denturism” became more mainstream.
DENTURISM is the practice or profession of a denturist.
DENTURIST is a person who makes dentures. (In other words, a lab tech, not a dentist).
In the majority of U.S. states, (47 of them), denturists are not recognized as a profession. Anybody who makes dentures can call themselves a denturist. It is completely unregulated in all but 3 states in the U.S. (Oregon, Idaho and Washington).
In the other 47 states, only licensed dentists are legally allowed to perform the duties typically associated with denturists, such delivering and fitting dentures. The profession faces significant limitations compared to countries like Canada, where denturists have a much more established role.
This does not prevent many dentists from calling upon lab technicians to deliver prosthodontic treatment in their dental offices during surgeries, though. Many times, this treatment includes the denture conversion at the time of surgery and the entire prosthetic process. So, what does this mean? What does it look like in practice?
It looks like this: A laboratory technician, (or someone they may call a “denturist”) is handling temporary cylinders and acrylic resin in a surgical site. He/she is also making final impressions, and in some cases, delivering the final prosthesis. Many laboratories are now actively promoting this service and have it listed on their fee schedule. This is standard practice in many general dental offices and the legalities are commonly overlooked.
At The Dental Implant Center we strongly object to this. It is a violation of most state’s bylaws and the non-policing of the stance against denturism by the governing bodies. The saddest part is that the majority of offices in violation of these bylaws have a prosthodontist just a few short miles away.
If you’d like to visit our office for a complimentary consultation, CONTACT US today or call us at 214-956-9100. We’re confident we can help.
