STAND. COM. REP. NO. 754

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 51

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 51, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DENTISTRY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to protect public health by including teeth whitening services, including the offer to perform or the performance of any phase of any operation incident to teeth whitening, in the definition of dentistry.

     Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Hawaii Dental Association and one private citizen.  Comments on the measure were submitted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Board of Dental Examiners.  Written testimony presented to your Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee finds that this measure addresses concerns regarding teeth whitening performed by non-dentists, such as potential harm to a patient's gums and teeth if a tooth whitening procedure is not done correctly.  However, this measure will not affect the purchase of over-the-counter products that are intended for the sole use of and application by the consumer.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 51, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair