Dental Therapists Bill Reported by Committee

Liz Gullett

Sep 22, 2017

This week, the Senate Health Policy Committee reported legislation allowing for the licensure of dental therapists. The bill allows dental schools to create a master’s degree program and outlines the qualifications for licensure. A dental therapist could only practice under a licensed dentist and can only provide certain services. The legislation also lays out fees for application and licensing, lists grounds that a license may be revoked, among other provisions.

Those testifying in support of the legislation, stated they believe this will help fill the shortage gap in the state and also aide with providing care to the vulnerable population. Additionally, they feel that by increasing the pool of providers, dentists will have more time to work on patients with more complicated care. However, the Michigan Dental Association testified in opposition to the legislation. They believe this isn’t the right answer to solve the access to care problem, but the problem rests in the low Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers.

The bill has been sent to the Senate floor for further consideration.

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