Survey Shows Support for Dental Therapist Programs
Survey Shows Support for Dental Therapist Programs According to a national survey released by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping vulnerable children, more than 100 million Americans—including 25 million children—do not have
Survey Shows Support for Dental Therapist Programs
According to a national survey released by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping vulnerable children, more than 100 million Americans—including 25 million children—do not have dental insurance. Survey results also indicate that many more Americans either cannot afford or lack access to oral health care. This underscores the need to find ways in which this population can receive care, and the answer may be through the incorporation of mid-level dental providers—specially trained dental therapists licensed to perform functions typically reserved for dentists, including diagnoses and direct restorations.
Conducted last July, the survey tallied responses from 1,023 participants age 18 years and older, and revealed that 80% of adults believe their community lacks dental care that is free or affordable. In addition, 41% indicated that they or someone in their household had put off dental care in the past 12 months due to cost, while 30% stated they do not have a place to receive regular dental care in close proximity to their residence.
“We know the impact that poor oral health has on overall health and well-being, so we must look at using mid-level providers to ensure that children get the preventive dental care they need,” asserts Sterling K. Speirn, president and CEO of the foundation.
With a number of states pioneering mid-level dental therapist programs—including Alaska, Minnesota, and Oregon—67% of poll respondents expressed support for training dental therapists as a means of providing accessible and affordable care.
In November 2010, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation launched a major initiative to improve access to oral health care for at-risk populations. The foundation is currently working with Ohio, New Mexico, Kansas, Washington, and Vermont to establish dental therapist licensing programs, and reports that more than a dozen states are considering similar programs.
