On a Mission to Promote Dental Therapy

The dental profession is in Amy Coplen’s DNA. Her parents were both dental lab technicians, and her mother eventually became a dental hygienist. While in high school, Coplen worked as a dental assistant. “From that point on,” she says, “I knew I wanted a career in dentistry.” 

Now program director and associate professor at Pacific University School of Dental Hygiene Studies in Hillsboro, Oregon, Coplen recently took the time to provide some insights into her career trajectory and her passion for expansion of access to care.

Q: Although you have practiced in a clinical setting, your interests and background clearly veer toward academia. What made you choose this path? 

A: As a clinician, I was employed in the faculty practice at the University of Michigan for 6 years. Getting to work with dental faculty every day influenced my decision to pursue a teaching career. Being employed at the dental school also made it easy for me to pursue my master’s degree.

Once I completed my master’s degree, I wanted to go all in on a teaching career. Pacific University was the right fit for me because their mission aligned with my personal goal to give back to the community and increase access for underserved populations.

Q: A major focus for you is expansion of access to care. In fact, you are leading two pilot projects to investigate the efficacy and safety of using dental therapists to address this problem in Oregon. What were the factors behind your interest in developing this midlevel profession? 

A: I was first introduced to the midlevel practitioner model when I was in graduate school in 2008. From that point on, I was convinced that this provider could increase access to dental care that so many in Oregon don’t currently have. Most of my research as a faculty member has been about expanded practice dental hygienists and the feasibility of adding a midlevel practitioner to the workforce. When the pilot project opportunity came up, it was clear that we needed to get involved. 

Since beginning the pilot, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on a legislative workgroup, provide testimony in hearings, and meet with several legislators. These experiences have made me realize that you can effect change in your community if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get involved. 

Q: What is the current status of these efforts? 

A: We just finished the didactic and lab training for our first cohort of dental therapy trainees in February 2021. The trainees are working in areas across Oregon. Prior to completing their clinical practice hours they’ll take the Central Regional Dental Testing Service board exam. We will begin a second cohort of students in August of 2021 with a class of 10.

Q: What have been the greatest challenges you’ve encountered in the promotion of dental therapy? What do you foresee for the future of dental therapy in Oregon?

A: Typically, the only opposition to dental therapy is the dental association. It has been challenging to work with the opposition to come up with compromises that will not severely limit the care that dental therapists can provide. 

We are closer than we have ever been to seeing legislation passed in Oregon that would allow for a licensed dental therapist. House Bill 2528 recently passed and is now under consideration in the senate. We are hopeful that we will see a bill pass in 2021.