Qujannamiik, Mr. Chainnan. Mr. Chainnan, I am very pleased, on behalf of the Standing Committee on Legislation, to present this report, the report on Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Dental Mechanics Act.

Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Legislation has completed its review of Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Dental Mechanics Act. The committee held public hearings in Yellowknife on December 12, 1994. Presentations on the proposed amendments were received from the NWT Dental Association, the local denturist and members of the Seniors'/Elders' Society of the NWT.

The Dental Mechanics Act of the NWT currently allows a dental mechanic, or denturist, to provide two services. These services are the making and repairing of complete upper and lower dentures, and the taking of impressions, bite registrations, trying and insertions for the making and construction of complete upper or lower dentures.

Bill 8 proposes to allow a dental mechanic, or denturist, to also make and repair any partial denture providing a written prescription has been received from a licensed dentist.

lnfonnation provided to the conunittee indicated that denturists do not have sufficient training or experience in the treatmeuts that may be required prior to providing a patient with partial dentures. It was noted during the public presentations that partial dentures are often carried out at the end of an extensive treatment plan involving restorations, extractions, gum treatment and the preparation of the teeth themselves.

The committee also heard concerns regarding the denture services people in outlying communities are receiving. It was stated that many people in the small communities were waiting for long periods of time for the construction or repair of their dentures. Dental services are provided to outlying regions by way of contract with dental clinics. These contracts are funded by the federal government under the non-insured program. These contracts are put out for tender for two to three-year periods. Under these contracts, dentists currently provide a full range of dental services including dentures. The standing committee felt that a territorial denturist could provide services to these outlying communities in a more efficient and timely manner, if denturists were to travel to these communities with the dentist. The committee did ask the department if thay would be willing to negotiate a similar agreement with the federal government to provide funding for a territorial denturist to accompany a dentist when travelling to the communities. The department agreed to raise this with the federal government.

Alter completing its public review and deliberations regarding the proposed amendments to the Dental Mechanics Act, the committee endorsed the conservative approach found in Bill 8. The committee feels that the amendment supports the public interest and does not compromise public safety.

On December 15, 1994, the standing committee passed a motion that Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Dental Mechanics Act, be referred to the Legislative Assembly as ready for consideration in committee of the whole. That concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Legislation, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.