House dental bill
This is a warning to every denture or dental prosthesis wearer in the State of Oklahoma. On November 1, a new law will go into effect that will double the price of these prosthetics.
House Bill 2732 was originally written for Veterinary reform, but somehow managed to make the vital trade of denturism a felony. The State Dental Board refuses to recognize denturism as a legitimate and necessary component of dental health. Instead, they define it as practicing dentistry without a license. A denturist is a highly skilled professional that takes an impression, fabricates a denture, and then fits or adjusts it to fit their client’s mouth. None of their procedures are invasive, permanent or harmful. This new law will even make the simple act of replacing a missing tooth in a denture a felony. Dentists will have a complete monopoly on something as simple as a repair, forcing the public to pay much more and even wait days on the repair.
Denturists offer services for about half the price of a traditional dentist’s office. Many of their clients are on fixed incomes and without health insurance, and simply can not afford to pay $1,200 - $2,000 for a full set of dentures. There are many health risks associated with not being able to properly chew your food. If the Oklahoma Dental Board truly cared about the health of the people like their motto states, they would not deny them the only means to obtaining affordable dentures. Denturism is legal in six states, Canada and many countries. State Rep. Wanda Jo Peltier put it best when she said, “This is not about health, it’s about monopoly - it’s about money.”
If you want the right to go directly to the person who actually makes your teeth, instead of a dentist who just sends your case to the lowest bidder, then turns around and attaches a premium price, you need to take action. Contact your State Reps and tell them you want HB 2732 repealed! Also, tell them you want denturism legalized.
Steve Wolf, Broken Arrow