Officials from the Wisconsin Dental Association headed to the state capital on Aug. 21 to oppose a bill that would license dental therapists, according to Wisconsin Radio Network.
Supporters claim the bill would address the shortage of dentists in Wisconsin, including in rural and underserved communities.
However, the bill has been met with mounting criticism.
Wisconsin Dental Association President Patrick Tepe, DDS, said, "Authorizing dental therapy will not impact the cost of dental care. It will not bring the cost down for patients. It will not bring the cost down for the state. It will not bring the cost down for dental insurers or for employers. The only one that's going to save is the employer of the dental therapist."
Along with costs, dental associations and dentists have expressed concerns on the quality of care patients may receive through dental therapists.
Milwaukee-based Marquette University, the home to Wisconsin's sole dental school, has also come out opposing the bill.
More articles on dental:
Dr. Kristin Wade completes Academy of General Dentistry fellowship — 3 insights
Connecticut dentist crashes two cars in same day — 5 insights
California dental practice opening 3rd location
Supporters claim the bill would address the shortage of dentists in Wisconsin, including in rural and underserved communities.
However, the bill has been met with mounting criticism.
Wisconsin Dental Association President Patrick Tepe, DDS, said, "Authorizing dental therapy will not impact the cost of dental care. It will not bring the cost down for patients. It will not bring the cost down for the state. It will not bring the cost down for dental insurers or for employers. The only one that's going to save is the employer of the dental therapist."
Along with costs, dental associations and dentists have expressed concerns on the quality of care patients may receive through dental therapists.
Milwaukee-based Marquette University, the home to Wisconsin's sole dental school, has also come out opposing the bill.
More articles on dental:
Dr. Kristin Wade completes Academy of General Dentistry fellowship — 3 insights
Connecticut dentist crashes two cars in same day — 5 insights
California dental practice opening 3rd location