Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 568 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the licensure of dental specialists who are already licensed in another state that has licensing standards at least equivalent to Hawaii's standards.

The Board of Dental Examiners and thirty-nine individuals submitted testimony in support of this measure. Eight individuals submitted testimony in opposition.

Your Committee finds that a national dental licensure examination is expected to be implemented in the next year or so. Such an examination will enable dental school graduates to practice in participating states without taking additional state or regional examinations. However, currently licensed out-of-state dental specialists would be required to retake an examination for licensure in Hawaii. This is time-consuming, costly, and prevents experienced, qualified dental specialists from moving their practices to Hawaii.

Your Committee notes that approximately forty-five states have some form of licensing by credential, and that it is appropriate for Hawaii to join their ranks.

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. 568 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing.