More than 100 organizations have endorsed dental therapy, according to the National Partnership for Dental Therapy.
From large national organizations to small community groups, the list of supporters believe dental therapy is an equity-focused, cost-effective means of addressing a lack of dental care, according to a March 11 NPDT news release obtained by Becker's.
Dental therapists work under the supervision of a dentist to provide routine dental care, including filling cavities, extracting damaged teeth and prescribing antibiotics. To become a dental therapist, individuals must complete two years of study at an accredited program. Dental therapists are working or authorized in 12 states across the U.S.
The NPDT is co-chaired by Community Catalyst, the National Indian Health Board and the National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity.