The Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission represents dentists over patients. Whereas dentists are defended by malpractice attorneys, patients have no legal representation before the commission. Dentists who have harmed patients continue to practice. Very few licenses are revoked, even after repeated harm is done to patients. Very few cases reach hearings because budget precludes public safety. Patients are at great risk not knowing which dentists to avoid. We all want to be able to trust professionals. The entire reputation of dentistry in Washington State suffers due to lack of proper enforcement on the most egregious offenders.

The governor is responsible for the commission. A review of standards of care, ethics of the profession, and enforcement by the commission needs to be undertaken with patient safety at the fore. 

I am a victim of dental malpractice. A petition I previously wrote in March 2013 continues to gain signatures. I sent it to Governor Inslee and my representatives. It was completely ignored. https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/governor-inslee-reform

If you are a victim of dental malpractice or have had a bad experience with dentistry or filing a complaint with the Dental Quality Assurance Commission, or are a dentist concerned about the impact of lax enforcement on the profession, I would very much appreciate your signing my petition. Feel free to give a brief reason why this petition should not be ignored. Thank you.