Only 12 percent of dental therapists in Minnesota said they were working either full time or on a reduced schedule, according to a recent survey cited by nonprofit Pew Trusts.
An April survey from the Minnesota Dental Therapy Association assessed the employment status of 58 dental therapists in Minnesota amid the pandemic.
Before the pandemic, about 90 percent of respondents received benefits from their employers. In April, 57 percent still had access to their benefits regardless of their current employment status.
Nearly 30 percent of respondents said they had "limited finances remaining" or were "financially struggling."
Since 2009, dentists in Minnesota have been allowed to hire dental therapists. Currently, there are 101 licensed dental therapists statewide. Since the survey results were released, Gov. Tim Walz has loosened restrictions for dental practices.