Arizona Becomes 7th State to Introduce Dental Therapists
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey recently signed a law that allows dental therapists to practice in specified settings throughout the state. The law will take effect August 3 and will allow dental therapists, a midlevel provider, to be a licensed profession.
Along with six other states, Arizona will now allow dental therapists to practice in settings like tribal settings, federally qualified health centers, and nonprofit community centers. Like many states, Arizona has growing dental health needs. And with dental therapists, certain procedures, like fillings and extractions, will be able to be done at decreased costs.
With the number of people who need dental implants growing by 500,000 every year, more states are taking action to provide easier access to dental care. The bill was sponsored b...