Browsing: Dental Therapy

The 2023-25 state biennial budget signed by Gov. Tony Evers did not include the most effective measure to address gaps in oral care access in Wisconsin — dental therapy.

Dental therapists are mid-level providers — similar to physician assistants or nurse practitioners — who perform preventive, restorative and intermediate restorative procedures such as fluoride applications, cavity repairs and extractions of diseased teeth. These licensed professionals work under the general supervision of dentists and often practice in locations with underserved populations.

Eight states, including neighboring Minnesota and Michigan, have authorized dental therapist programs statewide. Dental therapists are mid-level providers who perform preventive, restorative and intermediate restorative procedures.

Michael Jahr joined a panel of experts to discuss how expanding the dental therapy profession in Wisconsin would bridge the access gap for many individuals through use of free market principles.

Research indicates a correlation between proper dental hygiene, including regular dental visits, and a lower risk of serious COVID infection and complications, according to a recent study out of Cairo University.

Dental therapists could help address oral care shortage
By Anne Trautner
June 23, 2021

The Albrecht Free Clinic in West Bend gets calls daily from Medicaid patients in need of dental care.

Legislation would provide access to hundreds of thousands of underserved Wisconsinites

Dentists see that adding the mid-level providers eases the care shortage, expands access and creates efficiencies

1.2 million Wisconsinites live in dental care shortage areas. Children, seniors, veterans & the disabled are most likely to lack access to oral care. Here’s a successful effort to provide dental care to underserved populations without relying on taxpayers.

I couldn’t tell the difference from a regular dentist,’ says satisfied patient 

Minnesota dentists now see, and get, value from dental therapists, who’ve been practicing in that state for a decade

Through an interpreter, dental therapist Katy Leiviska explains to Sana Tamang how her 4-year-old son, Ryan, would benefit from the application of dental sealants.

Dental therapists in Minnesota help more low-income kids and adults get the oral care they need

Expanding access: A decade of dental therapists in Minnesota

University of Minnesota Ph.D. candidate Jason Hicks testifies in favor of 2019 SB 89 before the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Health and Human Services on August 21, 2019

2019 SB 89 would provide for the licensure of dental therapists, who are health care practitioners who may engage in the limited practice of dentistry.

Badger Institute Policy Analyst Julie Grace testifies in favor of 2019 SB 89 before the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Health and Human Services on August 21, 2019

2019 SB 89 would provide for the licensure of dental therapists, who are health care practitioners who may engage in the limited practice of dentistry.

The creation of the dental therapy profession in Wisconsin through Senate Bill 89 would be an important step in improving access to and usage of dental care for disadvantaged and underserved populations in Wisconsin and potentially reducing negative economic and societal costs associated with poor oral health.

Wisconsin is one of the worst-performing states in the country at providing dental care for disadvantaged kids

Wisconsin should join neighbors Minnesota and Michigan, and several other states, in authorizing the creation of these licensed mid-level professionals