Team and HR
Dental therapist
A mid-level oral health provider, licensed in some states, who performs defined procedures under a dentist's general supervision and a written collaborative agreement.
A dental therapist is a mid-level oral health provider who can do some procedures a dentist normally does. A public health journal article says a dental therapist provides oral health care services under the general supervision of a dentist within the parameters of a written collaborative agreement.
The model grew from a lack of access to oral care in rural and other underserved communities. Not every state allows dental therapists, and rules on training, duties and supervision differ in states that do.
The role is one kind of mid-level dental provider. It differs from a dental hygienist in scope and training, and it depends on state scope of practice law. This entry defines the term and takes no side.