The expansion of the dental hygienist's scope of practice through the introduction of the midlevel practitioner is reshaping the profession for the 21st century.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation supported Alaska's efforts to create a new midlevel practitioner and remains dedicated to ensuring access to oral health care for America's children and youth.

School-based oral health care programs have a long and successful history in the profession of dental hygiene.

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is working to ensure educational programs are adequately preparing dental hygienists for the new health care landscape.

Dental hygienists play a valuable role in Head Start programs by providing preventive services and oral health education.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation's decision to implement accreditation standards for dental therapy education cements the role of expanded workforce models in solving the access-to-care problem.

As the provision of dental care undergoes transformation, the interest in dental service organizations is growing.

California's Virtual Dental Home program is increasing access to care, while also providing opportunities for midlevel practitioners.

In response to the burgeoning access-to-care crisis, many states are considering the addition of a new member to the oral health care team—the midlevel practitioner.

Many Americans go without professional oral health care services, but both public and private efforts are underway to change this.