Dental Therapy: A Tool for Economic Justice
Although oral health is a critical part of overall health and well-being, its benefits extend into significant economic advantages for individuals and society at large. Oral health problems can cause debilitating pain, interfere with eating and sleeping, and affect one’s...
Creating Community-Based Solutions for Oral Health: Dr. Mary Williard Looks Back on the Fight for Dental Therapy
“People really will do the most incredible things, under impossible conditions, as long as they have the right reasons. And the right reasons are always children, family and community.”
Lessons from How a Community College and Tribe Partnered on Health Workforce Education
In Washington, Skagit Valley College and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community partnered to open the fifth dental therapy education program in the U.S. Learn the story behind this collaboration and its leaders' lessons for success.
Dental Therapists Increase Access to Quality Services
Dental therapy is an innovative model of providing oral health services to underserved communities. Data is clear that dental therapists are improving the quality of care for communities most in need.
Oral Health Equity Starts with Accessible Education
The Commission on Dental Accreditation is the entity that accredits all U.S. dental and dental hygiene schools. The standards they adopted for dental therapy education ensure training quality and consistency, while also promoting health equity.
Dental Therapy at the Intersections of Access to Care, Racial and Economic Justice
New research in the Journal of the American Dental Association explored dental therapy in a region of Alaska. Data shows that dental therapists increase access to oral health care, and effectively complement the dental care team.
Opportunities for Federal Policymakers to Support Dental Therapy
In a recent webinar, expert panelists highlighted steps that Congress and the Biden administration could take to reduce oral health disparities by leveraging dental therapists.