Wisconsin Launches Its First Dental Therapy Educational Program
Northcentral Technical College in Wausau is launching Wisconsin’s inaugural dental therapy program to combat the scarcity of dental professionals in rural regions. This initiative aims to enhance access to essential dental services by training mid-level practitioners.
In response to the pressing need for dental care in underserved rural areas, Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in Wausau is set to offer Wisconsin’s first dental therapy degree program. Dental therapists are mid-level practitioners trained to perform routine procedures such as cavity fillings and simple extractions, thereby expanding access to essential dental services.
The establishment of this program follows the state’s approval of dental therapy licensure in January 2025, a legislative move designed to mitigate the shortage of dental professionals in rural communities. NTC has secured $2.2 million in state grants to develop the necessary infrastructure, including a new classroom equipped with 12 high-definition simulators to provide advanced training for students.
The program aims to enroll 12 students each fall, primarily recruiting from within the NTC district, with plans to expand outreach statewide if necessary. The curriculum is designed to equip dental therapists with competencies in approximately 95 procedures, focusing on restorative care. The implementation of dental therapists allows dentists to focus on more complex procedures, thus improving patient access to timely care.
The introduction of dental therapists is anticipated to enhance the efficiency of dental practices, particularly in areas where recruiting dentists has been challenging. By integrating dental therapists into the healthcare system, Wisconsin aims to provide more equitable oral health care, ensuring that even uninsured or underinsured patients receive necessary treatments.
As the program progresses, efforts will be made to educate both the public and dental professionals about the role of dental therapists, fostering acceptance and collaboration within the dental community. This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing oral health disparities and improving the overall quality of life for residents in Wisconsin’s rural areas. Click here to read more.
