Twenty denturists from around the state were called and asked to participate in this survey, with seven representing the Mid-Willamette Valley (Salem to Roseburg), Four each coming from the Portland Tri-County Area and Southern Oregon, three from East of the Cascades and two from the coast.

The Findings

Are Denturists Offering Partial Denture Services? Yes. As might be expected, denturists have enthusiastically embraced their expanded scope of practice. All but one of the study respondents reported that they now provide partial denture services to their patients. Not only are they seeing patients who come to them for partial denture services, the majority are now or plan to be advertising partial denture services.  Those who do not plan to promote partial denture services say that either their practice is as large as they want it to be and that fulfilling the partial denture needs of their existing patient base is all that they want to do, or dentist referrals will provide all of the new business they will want.

Are Partial Denture Wearers Going to Denturists?

Yes. It appears that the willingness of denturists to provide partial denture services is being well received by those who need them. Although the number ranged widely (from 1 to 60) denturists report that on average 25 patients each week come to them, without a dentist referral, specifically for partial-related services. One denturist said that many of his patients have been waiting to have a partial made until he could do it for them. Another said that he is seeing four to five people each month who need to have adjustments made to a partial obtained from a dentist. These denturists almost unanimously report that they follow the same procedures for those seeking a replacement partial; to follow an initial consultation and examination with a referral to a dentist for an examination, recommended cleaning and possible X-rays. Although the majority of partial patients accept this advice, some decide not to do so. One respondent said that they make a patient not seeing a dentist sign an informed consent form to document the recommendation and their decision not to follow it. Others said they simply refuse to do anything unless they see a dentist, especially if their own initial examination suggests that a problem might exist or that a cleaning is needed.

Are Dentists and Denturists Getting Along Better?

Yes and No. Here, a "no" answer is a good thing. When asked if their relationship with the dentists in their area had changed as a result of the success of Ballot Measure 24, responses are split almost evenly. A "yes" answer meant that new dentists were interested in establishing a referral relationship them or that those with established referral relationships were sending them more work. More than one denturist felt that there was better communication and a stronger, more comfortable professional relationship now between them and dentists in their community. One reported that because of improved relations he was referring more of his patients to dentists than before. A "no" almost always meant that the relationship between them and at least some of the dentists in their area has always been good and remains so. Only one respondent felt that they were getting fewer dentist patient referrals now than before, although he was not necessarily willing to associate this with the passage of Measure 24.

Has Adding Partials To The Scope of Denturist Practice Affected Overall Business?

For most, Yes. Denturists reported that partial business has increased their overall business by an average of 12 percent thus far, with a few indicating that their business has grown by more than 25 percent. At the same time, nearly a third of those contacted said that partial services have not increased their overall business at all, citing the loss of Oregon Health Plan business as a factor. Most of these denturists felt that partial business has kept them from losing business this year.

Final Comments

A constant theme to comments made by survey participants is an appreciation for the ability to service all of their patient's denture needs. One thinks that it is nice to be able to be able do partial relines and repairs without feeling like he is doing something illegal. A couple feel that patients are benefiting both in terms of products and services from their being able to provide both full and partial dentures. This belief is also reflected by the comment made by a few that their patients like being able to get both their full and partial denture needs satisfied by the same person. A cautionary tone was taken by a couple of respondents. One hoped his peers make a conscious effort to maintain quality while expanding to offer partial denture services. Another believes that "any denturist who wants to do partials needs to educate and prepare themselves. If we're going to provide the service, we need to get the education."