BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Dec 16, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Dental therapists, who
perform preventive and basic dental services, could provide care to millions of
underserved Americans, a foundation says.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation report said dental therapists are similar to nurse
practitioners or physician assistant in the medical field.
"Training and placing new dental therapists under the general supervision of a
dentist in underserved areas could help ensure that more families, particularly
those who are most vulnerable, can access quality, affordable dental care,"
Sterling K. Speirn, president of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, said in a
statement.
"Oral health is essential to overall health, yet too many Americans go without
needed dental care. The dental therapy model, which has been successful
internationally can address this gap in dental care."
Some 48 million U.S. children and adults live in areas without enough dentists
to provide routine oral health care and millions more can get to a dentist but
cannot afford to pay.
As a result, many live with pain, miss school or work and, in extreme cases,
face life-threatening medical emergencies from consequences of dental
infections.
Dental therapy is relatively new to in the United States, but well established
around the world, including in countries with advanced dental care similar to
the United States, such as England, Australia and New Zealand, the report said.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International