Dental Therapists

A huge number of Americans are unable to afford dental care, even when it is available. Dental therapists can help people get the care they need.

One out of three Americans can’t afford to visit a dentist. Yes, you read that right. According to PBS, over 100 million citizens of the United States don’t visit a dentist because they can’t afford it. The impact of this is enormous. The most common chronic illness among school-aged children is now untreated tooth decay. About a quarter of people receiving medicare have none of their natural teeth. Low-income families and minorities are hit disproportionately hard, as with most economic inequality.

People simply can’t afford the insurance or out-of-pocket costs for dental care. A dental checkup for an adult, followed by one or two small cavity fillings can cost 1000$ or more. Medicare only covers dental coverage when a medical procedure is connected. Many people covered by medicaid are turned down by dental offices, because the profit margins are too low. 

This is where dental therapists come into the picture.

What are dental therapists?

Dental therapists can’t practice on their own. But they can function well as a member of a dental team. Dental therapists must be supervised by a dentist. When doing so, they can do procedures such as cavity filling, placing temporary crowns, check ups, and pulling baby teeth. They essentially do more routine work, freeing up dentists to perform more specialized procedures.

A dental therapist may perform the following:

• Polishing/scaling teeth.
• Extracting teeth.
• Taking impressions of teeth.
• Performing X-rays. 
• Applying fluoride/sealants.
• Installing crowns.
• Tooth whitening.
• Removing sutures after a dentist has checked a wound.

They are typically part of a dental care team. They work with dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. They are great for dental offices that want to treat low-income families and neighborhoods, but can’t afford to lose money on low margins.

Why use a dental therapist?

So what is the benefit exactly to the consumer? Well, it costs about half as much to see a dental therapist as it does to see a dentist. And if the procedure you need done is a simple or routine one, then it’s a win-win. A dental therapist can perform about 80% of the procedures dentists can do, and at about 50% of the cost. 

On top of the wide skill set and low costs, dental therapists can offer guidelines. Just like a real therapist can help you live better in life, a dental therapist can help advise you on quitting smoking or improving your nutrition.

Additionally, supporting a dental therapist in an an under served community creates a job. Dental therapists can be afforded by that community, and it creates a new professional in that area. Another win-win for the therapist and the community.

The use of dental therapists has been associated with closing the gaps in access to dental care. Albeit, economic and racial disparities still exist. 

Can I use a dental therapist?

Presently, dental therapists are authorized in 13 states and some tribal nations in the United States. 

For statewide practice, these include:

• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Connecticut
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Vermont

Dental therapists are authorized to perform tribal dental therapy in several more locations. They include:

• Alaska
• Idaho
• Montana
• Washington

Tribal dental therapy is ideally the use of dental therapists without state supervision. Unfortunately, it is not allowed everywhere. Dental therapist uses by First Nations’ tribes represent a fantastic way for traditionally under served communities to get quality dental care.

When should you still see a dentist?

Obviously, you will still need a dentist sometimes. When should a patient see a dentist rather than a dental therapist?

When a specialized or highly-technical procedure is necessary. Procedures like this include:

• • Dental implants.
  • Root canals.
  • Surgery- restorative, cosmetic, etc.

Long story short, dentists aren’t going anywhere any time soon. In fact, the number of dentists in the US is ever-increasing. However, dental therapists are here for us to fill in the gaps, helping to ensure everyone who needs care has it.

Do you need a dentist or dental therapist?

If you have oral health concerns, then you are in the right place. Josey Lane Dentistry has been serving the Carrollton Texas area for nearly two decades. Our experienced, talented dentists are ready to take care  of any mouth-related issues you may have. Josey Lane’s services include:

• Preventative care.
• Sedation dentistry.
• Restorative dental care.
• Cosmetic dentistry services.
• Emergency dentistry services.
• Dental health advice and FAQs.

With state-of-the-art equipment, and an attention to detail that is unparalleled, you can expect only the best service from Josey Lane. Schedule a consultation today by getting in contact with us here.

Keep your smile bright with Josey Lane.