• Denturists make dentures.dentures 02 image by stoffies from Fotolia.com
  
  In 1994, the state of Washington approved legislation permitting individuals other than dentists to make and sell dentures. These individuals are denturists. Washington licenses denturists via endorsement or examination. Endorsement applications require proof of passing written and clinical examination and having a license issued from a state recognized by Washington as having similar standards. Recognized states include Maine, Montana and Oregon. Examination applications required proof of formal training, AIDS education and training, completion of application and payment of fees to take written and practical exams.
  
  

Formal Training

• Submit documentation of formal training in denturism obtained within the past two years of application. Training must be from an educational institution recognized by the Washington State Board of Denturists. Recognized educational institutions include George Brown College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Bates Technical College and Vancouver Community College.
  
  

AIDS Education and Training

• Submit an initialed and dated AIDS affidavit detailing that you completed AIDS education and training. Appropriate AIDS education and training include coursework, self-study, direct patient care or formal training.
  
  

Application

• Complete application. The application includes questions concerning demographic information, personal data questions, professional education, professional experience, previous licenses, AIDS training and photograph. The completed application and supporting documents (proof of formal training and AIDS training affidavit) are due 60 days before the scheduled exam date.
  
  

Fees

• Pay application and examination fees. Both fees are non-refundable. As of 2010, the application fee is $1,450 and the examination fee is $1,500.
  
  

Written Exam

• The written exam requires demonstration of knowledge in the following areas: head and oral anatomy, oral pathology, partial denture construction, microbiology, clinical dental technology, dental laboratory technology, clinical jurisprudence, asepsis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and medical emergencies and geriatrics. Applicants need to earn a score of 70 percent or better to pass the written exam.
  
  

Practical Exam

• The practical exam tests your ability to perform the duties of a denturist. Applicants need to earn a score of 70 percent or better to pass the practical exam.