FYI---A TREND TOWARD PARAPROFESSIONALS

In Alaska licensed dental therapists, Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHATS), have been providing dental services in remote native villages since the first class of DHATs began their training in 2003, finishing in 2005.  In addition to delivering preventive care, services include uncomplicated extractions, restorations, and a few other dental surgical procedures.  DHAT’s training consists of two years of didactic instruction and practical work directly supervised by a dentist. 

In 2009 Minnesota became the second state to approve licensing of dental therapists.  Six states are currently considering such licensing: California, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington.