University of Washington Dentist Advocates for Dental Therapy
Dentistry has historically resisted the implementation of dental therapy, but University of Washington’s Donald Chi, DDS, PhD, is championing it as a practical solution to improve access to care. He argues that dental therapists can serve underserved communities and enhance dental teams, allowing dentists to focus on more complex cases.
In the United States, millions lack access to dental care due to barriers such as geographical distance, financial constraints, and Medicaid limitations. Communities in rural areas, people of color, and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected, often experiencing poor oral health as a result. Donald Chi, DDS, PhD, a pediatric dentist and professor of oral health sciences at the University of Washington, believes dental therapy could be the key to addressing these unmet needs. He shared his thoughts on dental therapy in a recent interview with The Conversation.
Dental therapists, similar to physician assistants in the medical field, are trained to perform basic dental procedures such as prophylaxes, fluoride treatments, sealants, and simple fillings and extractions. This limited yet essential scope of practice allows them to reach communities with few or no dentists. Dental therapy programs have gained traction in recent years, with 14 states now allowing dental therapists to practice.
Despite the benefits, organized dentistry has often opposed dental therapy, arguing that it undermines the traditional definition of “dentist” and creates competition. There are also concerns about safety, though dental therapists are trained to the same clinical standards as dentists for the procedures they perform and must pass a clinical licensure exam. These trained professionals can be particularly helpful in high-need areas, where their presence allows dentists to focus on more complex treatments.
Washington State, a pioneer in expanding dental therapy, has seen promising outcomes. Chi points to research from Alaska and Minnesota showing that dental therapy improves preventive care access, particularly among Medicaid recipients. In Alaska, for example, fewer people had teeth removed after dental therapists were introduced.
Chi sees dental therapy as a practical, team-based approach that leverages the unique strengths of both dental therapists and dentists. “In a community with lots of unmet dental care needs, dental therapists can put out small fires,” Chi told The Conversation. “Dentists can then focus on putting out the big fires.” This coordinated care model has the potential to close the gap in dental access, improve oral health outcomes, and reduce overall healthcare costs by addressing issues before they become severe.
With states like Washington leading the way, Chi is hopeful that dental therapy will continue to expand across the United States, ultimately bridging the gap in oral healthcare access for underserved communities. Click here to read more.
