Making the Case for Dental Therapists in the United States.

Abstract

Highlighting the historic and contemporary success of dental therapy as an accepted dental provider globally, this manuscript makes the case for the practice in the United States. Co-written with US and Australian practicing dental therapists, this manuscript names a specific challenge from organized dentistry to prevent dental therapists from practicing. Dental therapy is one of the workforce best practices globally and has important implications for the United States. To the degree that best global health practices should be bidirectional, this manuscript aims to make the case for dental therapy in the United States. There is also a call to action for global health advocates to both recognize global oral health challenges and to explore opportunities for collaboration with dental therapists and to elevate best global health workforce practice supporting dental therapy as a certified member of the oral health workforce.