Scope of Practice: Page 14

Univ. of MN to start dental therapy program this year

By DrBicuspid.com staff writers

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is reviewing applications to fill the 10 slots in the nation's first dental therapy education program.

June 2, 2009

Pew report encourages more midlevel providers

By DrBicuspid.com staff writers

More U.S. states are looking into midlevel providers because of the current economic crisis, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the States and the National Academy for State Health Policy.

June 1, 2009

Minnesota nears approval of midlevel providers

By Kathy Kincade

Minnesota dental professionals and legislators have reached a compromise in their debate over the creation of a dental therapist program that would help improve access to oral care for underserved populations across the state. With the compromise, Minnesota could become the first state in the U.S. to license dental therapists.

May 12, 2009

Law makes Maine hygienists independent

By Rabia Mughal

A law passed April 15 allows hygienists in Maine to serve patients at any location without supervision by dentists. This legislation has expanded the scope of practice in the state, and may improve access to care for people who do not have a dentist.

May 5, 2008

Bill restricts dental therapists

By Laird Harrison

The ADA lost a lawsuit to halt a dental therapist program in Alaska. But legislation the organization has crafted could ban similar programs throughout the U.S.

December 12, 2007

Dental 'therapists' fill holes: Part I

By Laird Harrison

The lawsuit is settled but the debate goes on: Will dental health aide therapists do more help or harm?

November 5, 2007