Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 118, S.D. 2, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to address the shortage of dental specialists in Hawaii by expediting the examination and licensure of dental hygienists and dentists in allowing the Board of Dental Examiners to accept the results of regional examinations until a national examination has been implemented to qualify candidates for licensure in the state.

The Board of Dental Examiners, Kauai County Subarea Health Planning Council, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association, Hawaii Institute for Wellness in Dentistry, Hawaii Primary Care Association, and several concerned individuals supported this bill.

Your Committee finds that a more efficient method is needed to provide qualified dental professionals with licensure to practice in Hawaii to combat the state's decline in oral health and rise in tooth decay. To better implement such action, your Committee has amended this bill by:

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive changes for clarity,

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 118, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 118, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.