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 most states in the U.S., he’s called a dental lab technician, which legally requires no formal training).
In the majority of U.S. states, (44 of them), denturists are not recognized as a profession. It is completely unregulated in all but 6 states in the U.S. (Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Arizona and Maine). There are two schools that offers Denturist certification, in a 2-year program. (In Washington and in Oregon.)
In the other 44 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”, but who, in the State of Texas, is not recognized as such, or regulated as such, as of now) is handling temporary cylinders and acrylic resin in a surgical site, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is denturism?
Denturism is the practice or profession of a denturist, who designs, fabricates, and fits dentures for patients.
Who is a denturist?
A denturist is a professional who makes dentures. In most U.S. states, these individuals are considered dental lab technicians and are not legally recognized as denturists.
Is denturism regulated in the United States?
Denturism is unregulated in 44 U.S. states and legally recognized in only 6 states: Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Arizona, and Maine.
Where can someone receive formal training to become a denturist?
Two schools currently offer 2-year programs for Denturist certification — one in Oregon and one in Washington.
What limitations does the denturist profession face in the U.S.?
In most states, only licensed dentists are permitted to deliver and fit dentures, which limits the recognition and legal scope of denturists compared to countries like Canada.
How has the rise of immediate implant temporization affected denturism?
The demand for same-day implant restorations increased the need for skilled technicians, leading many to rely on unregulated denturists or lab technicians during surgeries.
What are the legal concerns with denturists assisting in surgeries?
In many states, lab technicians assist dentists in converting dentures or delivering prostheses, even though they are not legally recognized to perform these duties, raising ethical and legal issues.
Why do some dental offices still use denturists or lab technicians during implant surgeries?
Due to manpower shortages and technical challenges, many dentists depend on lab technicians to assist with denture conversions and prosthetic procedures during surgeries.
How does denturism in the U.S. compare to Canada?
Denturists in Canada are fully recognized healthcare professionals, whereas in most U.S. states the practice remains largely unregulated and legally restricted to licensed dentists.
