Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty signed a higher education bill on May 16 which establishes the formation of dental therapists, a dental team that provides dental health care to underserved residents.
“The MDA and its member dentists have worked hard over the past few months to ensure that principles for appropriate education, supervision, and scope of practice were maintained,” Minnesota Dental Association President Dr. Lee Jess said. “We are pleased that our concerns were heard and that this new position is a workable program to reach those in need while ensuring high quality care.”
The SF 2083 approves the formation of dental therapists, whose members are capable of catering in underserved locations and performing various procedures such as restorations and primary extractions with a dentist’s indirect supervision.
A licensed dental therapist can become an advanced dental therapist after practicing for at least 2,000 hours and completing a master’s degree in dental therapy. Advanced therapists can practice off-site even without the presence of a dentist. However, the approval of a dentist is needed if they will perform a surgical procedure.
The U of M School of Dentistry, Minnesota’s only accredited dental school to teach surgical procedure, recently announced its plan to include a dental therapy course in its course offerings. According to its school officials, the school is the best institution to train dental providers in the state. Moreover, the school has conducted a research to learn about dental therapists in New Zealand, England and Canada as well as to meet students, dentists and dental therapists; acquire knowledge of the faculty and curriculum; tour facilities; and promote professional partnerships.
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