Key to Measure 24 involves training of state's denturist.

Byline: LARRY MICHAEL OVER For The Register-Guard

AS A DENTIST IT IS apparent to me, after reading the Oct. 1 Register-Guard editorial on Measure 24, that the editors do not understand the real reason dentists so adamantly oppose this measure.

The main point of this measure is not that it will potentially provide removable partial dentures to a lower-income population or to patients who supposedly could not afford to go to a dentist.

A recent study in Canada shows that contrary to denturists' statements, denturists in Canada do not provide removable partial dentures and complete denture treatment at a lower fee than dentists. There was a wide range of fees charged by denturists, with some denturists charging more for a given service than a dentist, much to the contrary of what is often stated.

Passage of this measure would have little economic effect on dentists in this state. This measure is not about the economics of such dental treatment. This measure is truly about allowing our state's patient population to seek care with denturists who are not adequately trained to provide this service.

The critical issue is that a denturist does not possess the proper training to fabricate a removable partial denture. It is one of the most complex aspects of treatment in dentistry, because it involves unison between the soft tissues of the mouth and the patient's teeth. The partial denture effectively joins both soft tissue and teeth and is supported and retained by both. This creates a very unique and tenuous relationship and is greatly dependent on the health status, position and number of the patient's remaining teeth - as well as the occlusion (bite) - to allow for a successful removable partial denture.

Denturists are not trained in the diagnosis or treatment of tooth and gum diseases such as caries, periodontal disease, tooth mobility and occlusion. There is no additional training required for a denturist prior to fabricating removable partial dentures on patients if this measure passes. The sponsors of the proposal refused to allow the placement of the word "diagnosis" in the Measure 24 statement of explanation (see the summary statement of Measure 24 in the voters' Pamphlet).

Is it wise and prudent for a patient to seek treatment from a health care professional who states he or she has the educational background necessary and can provide this treatment, yet is afraid to state that he or she can diagnose the conditions necessary for this treatment?

Passage of Measure 24 would allow an individual to seek care for removable partial dentures without seeing a dentist for diagnosis or advice about other treatment options. Passage would also allow the licensed denturist to act alone to plan the treatment as well as fabricate the removable partial denture without a complete diagnosis in regard to the patient's overall dental health.

There is nothing in this measure that states and requires a patient to see a dentist at any time.

The whole point of Measure 24 is that it allows the denturist to diagnose, fabricate and place a removable partial denture on teeth without the patient ever having to see a dentist.

Larry Michael Over, DMD, is a Eugene maxillofacial prosthodontist. He is a specialty examiner for the Oregon Board of Dentistry and was appointed by the secretary of state to help prepare the explanatory statement for Measure 24 in the Voters' Pamphlet.