Browsing: Dental Therapy

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

Wisconsin has a dental access problem, especially for low-income individuals, says Morris Kleiner, professor at the University of Minnesota. Kleiner explains how allowing dental therapists could provide the solution. Kleiner’s presentation was delivered at the Badger Institute’s Policy Symposium.

Reform would address WI provider shortage, particularly for children on Medicaid.

If Wisconsin allowed dental therapists, more kids would have access to care, proponents say