The Dental Newspaper
NEW YORK: A new bill introduced in New York’s state legislature aims to license dental therapists, a mid-level profession that supporters believe could expand dental care access, lower costs, and reduce waiting times. Dental therapists, often compared to physician assistants in medicine, are trained to perform routine dental procedures like fillings, extractions, and cleanings under the supervision of dentists.
Currently licensed in 14 U.S. states and over 50 countries, dental therapists could serve as a solution to the oral health access gap in New York, where two-thirds of residents live in high-need areas for dental care, according to a study by the Center for Health Workforce Studies. Proponents, such as Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, argue that the measure would address disparities in dental care access for underserved communities, particularly those without dental insurance or on Medicaid.