Colorado legislators are debating whether to draft a bill to license dental therapists, according to Colorado Politics.
Legislators met Oct. 21 to discuss the possibility of licensing dental therapists. Other dental industry professionals and lobbyists were also at the discussion. Many dentists oppose the licensing of dental therapists.
"With most Colorado counties designated as dental health professional shortage areas, we decided we must take action," said Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, according to the report. "We must acknowledge that 53 million Americans are struggling to afford dental care and we need to address the costs."
A representative from Minneapolis-based University of Minnesota, Danae Seyffer, was also there to talk about Minnesota's experience with licensing dental therapists. According to Ms. Seyffer, dental therapists must work in areas that lack dental health professions. Additionally, dental therapists must take on Medicaid patients 50 percent of the time in Minnesota.
Minnesota is among 12 states that have passed laws to permit dental therapists. The goal is to expand access to dental care while also reducing costs.
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Legislators met Oct. 21 to discuss the possibility of licensing dental therapists. Other dental industry professionals and lobbyists were also at the discussion. Many dentists oppose the licensing of dental therapists.
"With most Colorado counties designated as dental health professional shortage areas, we decided we must take action," said Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, according to the report. "We must acknowledge that 53 million Americans are struggling to afford dental care and we need to address the costs."
A representative from Minneapolis-based University of Minnesota, Danae Seyffer, was also there to talk about Minnesota's experience with licensing dental therapists. According to Ms. Seyffer, dental therapists must work in areas that lack dental health professions. Additionally, dental therapists must take on Medicaid patients 50 percent of the time in Minnesota.
Minnesota is among 12 states that have passed laws to permit dental therapists. The goal is to expand access to dental care while also reducing costs.
More articles on dental:
Fire destroys Chicago dental care mobile
TDSC reassures dentists after judge finds Benco, Patterson conspired against buying groups
Washington state dental operator fined $5K in connection with patient death