‘NBC Nightly News’ Featured the Debate on Authorizing Dental Therapy

Segment highlighted how using therapists can increase access to care

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Projects: Dental Campaign
‘NBC Nightly News’ Featured the Debate on Authorizing Dental Therapy

On Feb. 20, 2017, “NBC Nightly News” aired a segment on dental therapists as a growing solution to the lack of access to dental care across the country. The story demonstrated that dental therapists receive the same amount of training as dentists in the limited number of procedures they are licensed to perform. The program also highlighted how dental therapists have successfully operated in Minnesota and Alaska. NBC interviewed a practicing dental therapist in Minnesota and a family whose children have been able to receive treatment.

In addition, the piece noted that many patients are currently unable to receive dental care because of cost. The segment concluded that dental therapy could increase access for low-income patients, children, and rural residents.

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Dental providers
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Article April 21, 2016

5 Dental Therapy FAQs

Midlevel providers are helping dentists increase access to care.
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Dental providers
Article April 21, 2016

Another type of provider is helping dentists in private practice and public health settings address the gaps in access to dental health care that many Americans face.

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