The Growing Wave of Dental Therapists: Expanding Access to Oral Care

The face of dental care in America is changing. With millions unable to access essential oral healthcare and a growing shortage of dentists, an innovative solution is gaining traction: dental therapists. These mid-level providers are stepping up to fill critical gaps in care, especially in underserved communities. And as of February 2025, 14 states have already authorized dental therapists to practice—a clear sign of their growing importance in addressing this national crisis. Let’s dive into how dental therapists are reshaping the future of oral healthcare, their qualifications, and the transformative impact they’re making.

America’s Dental Care Crisis: A Growing Need for Solutions

Too many Americans—particularly those in rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, or without insurance—struggle to access basic dental care. This gap in care leads to higher rates of dental disease, poorer overall health, and preventable suffering. Yet, the shortage of dentists in these underserved regions continues to worsen. Enter dental therapists, a practical and innovative solution designed to bridge this divide. Their role isn’t just about filling cavities—it’s about filling the gaps in a broken system.

A Movement Gaining Momentum: Dental Therapy Across the States

The push to license dental therapists is no longer just a trend; it’s a movement. From Alaska to Connecticut, 14 states have embraced dental therapists, with others like Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York actively considering legislation. According to the American Dental Therapy Association, this momentum reflects a growing recognition of dental therapists as an essential part of the solution to America’s dental care crisis. Each new state that adopts this model brings us closer to a more equitable oral healthcare system.

Becoming a Dental Therapist: Rigorous Training, High Standards

Dental therapists are highly trained professionals who undergo rigorous education and clinical preparation. To qualify, they must complete a dental therapy program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which typically requires three years of full-time study. This intensive curriculum combines dental science, clinical skills, and patient care management, ensuring graduates are fully equipped to provide safe, effective treatment.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of their training. Students complete a supervised clinical preceptorship under the guidance of a licensed dentist, gaining hands-on expertise in real-world settings. While CODA sets the national standard, some states go a step further, requiring additional qualifications such as prior experience as a dental hygienist or work in a community health clinic. This tailored licensing approach ensures dental therapists are ready to meet the unique needs of the populations they serve.

What Can Dental Therapists Do? Expanding the Scope of Care

Dental therapists provide a wide range of essential services, often focusing on preventive and routine care. Their typical scope of practice includes:

• Conducting oral exams and identifying dental issues
• Offering dietary advice and oral hygiene education
• Filling cavities and placing temporary crowns
• Extracting primary teeth and performing pulp treatments
• Administering local anesthetics and nitrous oxide
• Educating communities on oral health

By handling these critical yet routine tasks, dental therapists free up dentists to focus on complex procedures, increasing efficiency and allowing dental practices to serve more patients. This collaborative approach ensures that no one gets left behind.

Where Do Dental Therapists Make a Difference?

Dental therapists work in diverse settings, from private practices and dental support organizations (DSOs) to community health centers, schools, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Their flexibility allows them to go where they’re needed most, bringing care directly to vulnerable populations.

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The Impact: Better Access, Healthier Smiles

The primary mission of dental therapists is simple yet transformative: expand access to care for those who need it most. By working in underserved communities—whether rural clinics or urban health centers—they break down barriers to care and build trust with patients who may have been neglected by the traditional system.

Research shows that dental therapists improve oral health outcomes by providing preventive care, patient education, and routine treatments. This proactive approach not only keeps smiles healthy but also reduces the need for costly, complex procedures down the line. The result? Healthier communities and significant cost savings for patients and healthcare systems alike.

The Road Ahead: A Bright Future for Dental Therapy

As more states adopt dental therapy legislation, the potential for change is enormous. Dental therapists are a practical, cost-effective solution to the pressing issue of dental care access. Their growing presence is paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable oral healthcare system—one where everyone, regardless of income or zip code, can get the care they deserve.

The time to act is now. Whether you’re a policymaker, a dental professional, or a patient, supporting the integration of dental therapists into the healthcare system is a step toward a healthier, brighter future for all.