Denturist Board

By Joshua Brooks, Denturist

Serving on the Washington Denturist Board has been a learning and insightful experience. In 2016, I was asked to be a pro tem member with the denturist board to help with the examinations. I found this a rewarding experience, so I continued volunteering and serving as needed with the Department of Health.

I was a bit nervous before becoming a full board member in 2022, as it involved added responsibilities of handling discipline cases. A senior board member pulled me aside and reminded me to keep it simple (stupid). Everything is about protecting the public and patient care. I reflected on the numerous meetings I participated in over the years and found that this was very true of board members’ words and actions. When we serve, our job is to protect the public.  

I now find myself involved with other boards and commissions like the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and find many of the same types of high-caliber professionals serving to protect the public.

I also find being surrounded by high-caliber professionals increases my patient care in my practice. Managing patient expectations and fabricating a denture always brings a unique challenge. Listening to other professionals’ experiences and reviewing complaints really drives me. I can’t make every patient happy, but if I realize an issue, even if the patient does not, I fix it one way or another. It’s about protecting the public and patient care.

I must give 100% respect to the many state employees that help Washington State’s boards and commissions. Their knowledge, guidance, and help cannot go unnoticed or should ever be undervalued.

It is an honor and educational experience I don’t think can be found anywhere else.