In Defense of Dental Therapy: An Evidence-Based Workforce Approach to Improving Access to Care

Area of Science:

• Community-based dentistry
• Health services research
• Dental public health

Background:

• The U.S. dental care system presents significant barriers to access and contributes to health inequities, disproportionately affecting racial/ethnic minorities and low-income individuals.
• Poor oral health has widespread negative consequences, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify strategies and policies promoting health equity and access to dental care.
• To highlight promising new models for the dental workforce, focusing on dental therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and evidence on dental therapy models.
• Analysis of the premises supporting dental therapy as a solution to access and equity issues.
• Examination of opposition to dental therapy from organized dentistry.

Main Results:

• Dental therapy is presented as a safe, high-quality, cost-effective, and ethical approach to enhance oral health care delivery.
• Evidence suggests dental therapy effectively improves access to dental services and overall oral health.
• Opposition from organized dentistry lacks an evidence base.

Conclusions:

• Dental therapy is a viable and ethical strategy to expand the oral health workforce.
• Implementing dental therapy can significantly increase access to dental care and advance oral health equity.
• This model offers a practical solution to long-standing problems in U.S. dental care access and equity.