Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 3261 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to enable dental specialists, who received their licensure and credentials in another state, to receive a license to practice their dental specialty in Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Board of Dental Examiners, which offered amendments, and nine individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Dental Association and twelve individuals.

Your Committee finds that there is a need for dental specialists in Hawaii. Forty-five states have adopted reciprocity or licensure by credentials programs. Adopting a licensure by credentials program for dental specialists from other states will provide the residents of Hawaii access to improved specialized health care.

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. 3261 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing.