Continued competency assessment: reflections from the state board viewpoint.

Continued competency for the dental professional has become an issue of national interest. It is a complex issue that asks many questions. The State of Washington Dental Quality Assurance Commission has been authorized to examine continued competency by the state legislature. To date, no formal steps toward implementation have been taken. This is not a result of stone walling by the Commission. It is a reflection of the complexity of the issue and the difficulties encountered in establishing effective mechanisms for evaluation of competency.