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Get the facts
What is a Dental Therapist?
Dental therapists are licensed or certified oral health professionals who work as part of the dental care team to expand access to care, strengthen local workforces, and promote health equity.
Depending on the system in which they practice, dental therapists may be
Dental therapy education programs are designed to create career pathways for community members—particularly those from groups and regions that have been historically underrepresented in oral health professions. This model not only diversifies the dental workforce but also ensures that providers reflect and understand the communities they serve.
Dental therapists are trained to provide routine and preventive dental services with a strong focus on patient-centered, culturally responsive care. Their education emphasizes evidence-based practice, public health principles, and community engagement.
Working in settings such as schools, community health centers, tribal health programs, and private dental offices, dental therapists provide preventive and basic restorative care, including
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Cleanings above the gumline; dually licensed dental therapists may perform full hygiene services within their scope in the state which they are credentialed
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Sealants and fluoride treatments
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Fillings and simple extractions
By offering these services close to where people live, learn, and work, dental therapists help patients maintain oral health, prevent disease, and reduce the need for emergency care.
Extensive research across states and tribal systems shows that dental therapists deliver care that is safe, effective, and high-quality—while significantly improving access for individuals and families who have traditionally faced barriers to care. Their presence also allows dentists and hygienists to focus on more complex procedures, improving efficiency and access across the system.
At its core, dental therapy is both a workforce innovation and a community empowerment model—providing pathways to meaningful careers in oral health and ensuring equitable care for every community.
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