Once the bill is signed, Wisconsin will become the 14th state to authorize dental therapists, who are permitted to fill cavities, conduct oral exams and and pull teeth, but are not allowed to do more complex procedures.
Allowing dental therapists is part of a four-bill package that was passed by the state Senate and State Assembly earlier in January. The package also includes ratifying the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Interstate Compact, using $20 million to expand dental programs at technical colleges in the state, and offering scholarships to students at the Milwaukee-based Marquette University School of Dentistry who agree to practice in dental shortage areas.
Dental therapists in the state must graduate from an accredited training program and work under the supervision of a dentist.
Wisconsin will join Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington to authorize dental therapists, the report said.
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