Dental Therapist Program May Expand to Additional States

Dental Therapist Program May Expand to Additional States

Known for its pioneering efforts in dental therapy education and for allowing dental therapists to practice, Minnesota has now added advanced dental therapists to the state’s oral health care model. These specialized, mid-level dental professionals, it is hoped, will bolster access to care in underserved populations and improve oral health awareness among patients. As part of their services, advanced dental therapists may perform expanded functions, such as placing direct restorations and crowns, and with 24 other states considering similar practice acts, including California, Kansas, New Mexico, and Ohio, the nation is paying close attention to the program’s success.

To qualify for certification, Minnesota’s advanced dental therapists—often registered dental hygienists looking to extend their scope of practice—must deliver 2,000 hours of care under the direct supervision of a dentist. Colleen Brickle, RDH, RF, EdD, dean of health sciences at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn, tells Dimensions of Dental Hygiene that this new type of dental professional is likely to have a significant impact on oral health.

“Advanced dental therapists are much like nurse practitioners,” she explains. “They don’t replace the dentist; rather, they are able to extend his or her reach. For example, advanced dental therapists can help remove barriers to care by providing services in nursing homes, clinics, and schools in collaboration with the dentist.”

Minnesota implemented its initial dental therapist program in 2009, and 4 years of data suggest that, as part of the oral health care team, the value and need for these mid-level providers is strong. “We know that everybody is watching us,” Brickle says of the national scrutiny. “And we know that if this program doesn’t succeed in Minnesota, it’s not likely to succeed elsewhere.”