State legislators continue to look toward dental therapy as a way to alleviate workforce shortages and increase access to care throughout the U.S.
Here are six statistics and recent updates showcasing dental therapy’s growth and evolution:
1. Fourteen states currently allow the practice of dental therapy, with Wisconsin becoming the latest state to authorize these providers in 2024.
2. There are five dental therapy training programs in the U.S., one in Alaska, one in Washington, one in Oregon and two in Minnesota. Four of these programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
3. Forest Grove, Ore.-based Pacific University most recently launched its master’s degree program in dental therapy, making it the second school to offer a master’s degree in the field.
4. Big Rapids, Mich.-based Ferris State University is currently developing Michigan’s first dental therapy program, which will be the fifth program in the U.S.
5. The Academy of General Dentistry and the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry recently raised concerns with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry about a proposal to expand the scope of practice for dental therapists.
6. A bill that would have authorized the creation of dental therapists in Florida was postponed by the Florida Senate last month. This was the state’s second attempt at authorizing dental therapy, but with no companion bill being filed in the Senate, the House bill was temporarily postponed by the Senate Rules Committee.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
