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Browsing: Licensing
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.
Scholars like Morris Kleiner at the University of Minnesota have found that licensing creates barriers to entry into the field, especially for low-income aspirants; reduces employment and competition; inflates prices and the wages of licensed workers; stifles innovation; and limits mobility.
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.
Wisconsin’s politicians prohibit over 1 million citizens from working unless they have government permission.
The Albrecht Free Clinic in West Bend gets calls daily from Medicaid patients in need of dental care.
In a joint brief with the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, we lay out the problems with occupational licensing in Wisconsin and what meaningful reforms can be enacted.
Dentists see that adding the mid-level providers eases the care shortage, expands access and creates efficiencies
They’re working and should be made permanent
A growing list of states that have adopted universal licensure recognition
Measure creates universal recognition, waives fees for low-income workers, expands opportunity for ex-offenders
Accepting out-of-state credentials should continue after the crisis ends
Outdated Wisconsin law hampers electric automaker’s direct-sales business model
Arizona, Pennsylvania paved way for full licensure recognition
Lawmakers should streamline regulations so more people can work
Occupational licensing regulations can undermine public health in the name of protecting it
Senate committee passes two licensing reform bills
Public members discuss how they view their role on boards
Decisions from licensing boards are oftentimes arbitrary and unfair
Bill allows for optional registration for in-state insurance adjusters
‘Sunrise review’ would inform legislators about impact of proposed occupational licenses
Wisconsin should join states that have enacted sunrise laws as an alternative to new licenses that fence out workers and don’t protect the public