For more than 50 million Americans, accessing dental care is a serious challenge. Many rural areas lack nearby dentists, and underserved populations, including people of color and individuals with disabilities, often struggle to find care. To address this gap, dental therapists—trained professionals who provide basic dental services without a full dentistry degree—are gaining traction. Currently authorized to practice in 14 states, dental therapists are helping meet the dental needs of underserved communities across the U.S.
Dr. Donald Chi, a pediatric dentist and professor at the University of Washington, explores the crucial role of dental therapists, the training they receive, and the impact they’ve had on the communities they serve.
According to Dr. Chi, the groups most affected by a lack of dental care include low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas far from dental clinics. These populations are more likely to experience poor oral health, which can have far-reaching consequences on their quality of life. Painful cavities and missing teeth can affect everything from sleep and eating to social interactions and employment opportunities. In fact, studies show that individuals missing front teeth have a harder time finding or keeping jobs.
Dental therapists are similar to physician assistants in the medical field. They receive two to four years of post-high school training, equipping them to provide essential dental services under the supervision of a dentist. While their scope of practice is limited compared to full dentists, it includes critical preventive and restorative care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, dental sealants to protect teeth from bacteria, simple fillings, and tooth extractions. More complex procedures like root canals, crowns, and dentures still require the expertise of a full dentist. Rather than replacing dentists, dental therapists fill a vital gap in areas with high demand for dental services. By handling routine care, they allow dentists to focus on more complicated treatments, creating a team-based approach to oral health.
Alaska was the first state to authorize dental therapists in 2006, and research has shown that the introduction of dental therapists led to significant improvements in care. For instance, Medicaid recipients in Alaska were less likely to have teeth extracted, and they were more likely to receive preventive care like fluoride treatments and cleanings. This resulted in fewer tooth extractions and better long-term oral health outcomes.
In Minnesota and other states with dental therapy programs, similar positive results have emerged. Studies show that Medicaid enrollees in these areas were more likely to receive dental care after dental therapists were introduced, further underscoring the effectiveness of this model in improving access to care.
In addition to regular dental visits, Dr. Chi recommends several habits for maintaining oral health. Healthy eating—especially reducing sugar intake—is crucial for protecting teeth and preventing gum disease. Although access to nutritious food can be a challenge due to high costs, limiting sugary drinks and snacks can go a long way in maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water are also essential for keeping teeth strong and healthy.
With dental therapists proving effective in providing care and improving outcomes for underserved populations, the model is gaining momentum across the U.S. As more states authorize dental therapy programs, the hope is that these professionals will continue to help bridge the gap in dental care access, ultimately improving the oral health of millions of Americans.
For communities struggling to find affordable, accessible dental care, dental therapists represent a vital solution to an ongoing crisis. With their expanding role, dental therapists are helping to ensure that oral health is no longer a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
Related topics:
