Almost 100 counties in Kansas have a dentist shortage. Legislation, long the subject of controversy, aims to allow licensed dental practitioners to perform more procedures in an effort to mitigate the shortage, according to a report by The Topeka Capital-Journal.
Other states, such as Minnesota and Alaska, allow dental practitioners to perform basic dental services such as fillings, crowns and some extractions, according to the report.
The legislation in Kansas is opposed by the Kansas Dental Association, but has support from Fort Hays University and Wichita State University. Advocates continue to push for the legislation's move forward.