Dental therapy now permitted in 14 U.S. states
Dental therapy practice now legal in 14 U.S. states, affecting workforce planning and practice capacity.
Dental therapy expansion across the U.S.
Fourteen states currently allow dental therapists to practice, with Wisconsin being the most recent state to authorize the role. State legislators continue to explore dental therapy as a solution to workforce shortages and gaps in access to care. This expansion reflects growing recognition that dental therapists can help address the shortage of dentists in underserved communities.
What dental therapists do and why it matters
Dental therapists perform preventive and restorative procedures under dentist supervision, similar to roles that exist in other countries. In the U.S., their scope of practice varies by state, but typically includes tasks like patient education, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. This allows dentists to focus on more complex cases while therapists handle routine care, potentially increasing overall practice efficiency and patient access to basic dental services.
Growing momentum for workforce development
The ongoing adoption of dental therapy licenses reflects state-level efforts to address the dental workforce crisis. As more states consider or implement dental therapy regulations, the profession is becoming a standard tool for expanding the available dental workforce. Wisconsin's recent authorization demonstrates that this trend continues to gain traction among policymakers looking for practical solutions to care access challenges.
Frequently asked questions
How many U.S. states allow dental therapists to practice?
Fourteen states currently permit dental therapy practice. Wisconsin is the most recent state to authorize dental therapists, expanding the geographic areas where these professionals can work under dentist supervision.
What procedures can dental therapists perform?
Dental therapists typically perform preventive and restorative procedures including patient education, cleanings, fillings, and extractions, though the exact scope varies by state. All work is done under dentist supervision.
Why are state legislators adopting dental therapy?
State legislators view dental therapy as a way to address workforce shortages and increase access to dental care in underserved communities. Dental therapists allow dentists to delegate routine procedures and focus on more complex cases.
Does dental therapy scope of practice differ by state?
Yes. While all 14 states that allow dental therapy require supervision by a licensed dentist, the specific procedures permitted vary by state regulation. Each state sets its own scope of practice rules for dental therapists.
