Survey: Dentists split on dental therapists

About half of dental professionals believe midlevel providers should have the opportunity to work in their state, while the other half disagree, according to a new survey.

The survey was conducted by the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (NDPBRN). The network's November poll asked dentists and hygienists about their feelings on dental therapists. Just under half (48%) of respondents said they believe dentists should have the option to hire dental therapists, while the other half (49%) opposed midlevel providers working for dentists in their state.

Other findings from the poll include the following:

  • Only 30% of respondents said they were interested in hiring a dental therapist.
  • Most respondents (41%) agreed that dental therapists could help alleviate care disparities for underserved populations.
  • About two-thirds of respondents had concerns about the care dental therapists would provide, such as being not prepared to perform surgical procedures.
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