What is Dental Therapy?
What is a Dental Therapist’s Job?
During a routine dental visit, when getting their teeth cleaned, patients usually first see a dental hygienist. However, for those patients who need additional support, are uninsured, or need therapeutic care, seeing a professional known as an “oral care therapist” may be a part of their routine dental visit as well.
What is a Dental Therapist?
Dental therapy is a moderately new field in dentistry, and a dental therapist is defined as someone who is a licensed oral care professional working in combination with a dental care team in order to provide patients with therapeutic and clinical care. These individuals typically work with those who are considered low-income, who are uninsured, or who live in underserved populations in order to help provide them with critical dental care. Dental therapists provide many of the same services as other dental professionals including performing dental cleanings, performing fillings, and taking X-rays.
Where Do Dental Therapists Work?
In the last ten years, we have seen a shortage in dental professionals in the United States, and this trend is predicted to continue through the next decade. Rural areas within the country are the most affected by this lack of dentists, and this is often where dental therapists fill in the holes in communities. Additionally, dental therapists can be found working in low-income clinics, in veterans’ hospitals, and with patients who are homebound. Most states do not currently recognize dental therapists, but this may change as these professionals continue to bridge the gaps in areas that lack at least one practicing dentist.
Do Dental Therapists Need to be Supervised?
In order for dental therapists to perform certain procedures, like tooth extractions, they need to be supervised by a licensed dentist. For example, in the state of Minnesota, dental therapists need to be supervised either personally, indirectly, generally, or directly by a dentist in order to perform certain services. The levels of supervision range—personal supervision means the dental therapist can only assist a dentist during procedures, and general supervision allows the dental therapist more responsibility. Either way, a licensed dentist must be aware of the work being performed.
Almost 20 percent of citizens living in the United States live in rural areas and may find it difficult to find comprehensive dental care in their area. With the number of licensed dentists on the decline, dental therapists may prove to be an important part of bridging the gap.
If you or a loved one is in need of a visit to the dentist, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.
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