https://goo.gl/HLCZwV
Chances are you know someone who has struggled to access dental care. It is a nationwide crisis that, according to the American Dental Association, is only projected to worsen. The need for accessible dental care is most urgent in rural areas and for vulnerable populations. This problem was recently covered in a National Public Radio story that cited “a quarter of Americans went without dental care they needed in 2014 because they couldn't afford it.” Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a solution that would increase access to care that a wide range of stakeholders could agree upon? Well there is – expanding the number of dental therapists providing care.
Dental therapists are early intervention and prevention dental professionals who are specially trained to provide a limited scope of services under the supervision of a dentist. In leading edge states, it has been demonstrated that licensure of dental therapists can garner bipartisan support from both lawmakers and the public.