Dental therapists are licensed to provide cavity fillings and other basic dental care, and health care providers in Ohio say authorizing their practice in the state would help address a worsening shortage of dentists in rural areas.
More than 300,000 Massachusetts residents lack access to oral care, and state legislators hope that licensing more dental therapists could increase the equity and cost-efficiency of dental care in the state.
More than 300,000 people in Massachusetts lack access to proper dental care, and health advocates said increasing the number of licensed dental therapists in underserved communities could help.
The term “food deserts” is used a lot in the fight against hunger, but groups calling attention to the shortage of oral health care professionals say there are “dental deserts” too, and they hope suggested solutions gain momentum.
While we have great access to dental hygienists here in Maine, we do not have the level of training between hygienist and dentist. That must change.
Sarah Chagnon, 34, is a dental therapist from Bellingham, Washington based at Swinomish Dental Clinic in LaConner, Washington.
BDJ Team Editor Kate Quinlan spoke to Laura (Hale) Brannon, project manager for Community Catalyst’s Dental Therapy Project, to find out how American and British dental therapists compare and why dental therapists are important in the US.
American oral health could easily be improved effectively and affordably: more dental therapists.
Dental therapists in Minnesota are helping more patients get the dental care they need and more states may be following their example soon.
This week Governor Inslee signed a bill expanding the practice of dental therapy in WA.
In Colorado, 53 of 64 counties currently face a dentist shortage. Dental therapists could help.
Legislation passed in Olympia this year will provide more dental-care access to underserved communities. House Bill 1678 authorizes dental therapists to work in community health clinics or federally qualified health centers.
