By Donna Hickey
The New York Dental Hygienists’ Association, the professional association for dental hygienists in New York State, is pleased to be a founding member of the New York State Partnership for Dental Therapy.
Research has clearly shown the critical need for improved oral health care access in many areas of New York State and vulnerable populations. See, for example, Where Oral Health Needs Are Greatest in New York State, from the SUNY Albany-based Oral Health Workforce Research Center (OHWRC). NYDHA believes that this significant healthcare issue calls for multiple avenues of action, tapping the experience and education of dental professions and applying new workforce models, including:
- Implementation of the newly enacted expanded collaborative practice law for dental hygienists which will enable additionally educated and state-certified dental hygienists to provide services in designated community settings—where there is the most need. This positive step a practical opportunity to expand the availability of preventive care. These services will be performed by RDH-CPs through a collaborative agreement with a dentist. The law becomes effective June 2027. But there are more steps to take.
- What about the need for more professionals to provide basic restorative services? The use of mid-level providers has increased availability of health care through such roles nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants across the U.S. including New York. We believe the addition of licensed mid-level providers for oral health—dental therapists—can likewise advance accessibility to care, enabling clinics and other community settings to provide care and see more patients. Dental therapists perform specific basic services, such as fillings and routine extractions under the supervision of a dentist.
It is not a new concept. Dental therapy programs have been established in 14 states or tribal areas as early as 20 years ago in Alaska to advance access to care in underserved communities as described in this report of the OHWRC. In 2015, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the accrediting entity in the U.S. for dental schools and dental education programs, adopted accreditation standards for dental therapy programs, a welcome step in offering guidance on the development of dental therapy educational programs.
Dental therapy also can become a next level of education and career growth for dental hygienists who seek to build on their hygiene experience. Key in this achievement are graduating from an accredited institution; gaining professional licensure from the state; and, in essence, being well-prepared to effectively provide safe, quality oral health care where it is needed most. This would be a practical next step in shaping and building the dental team to meet today’s challenges.