Dental Therapists as New Oral Health Practitioners: Increasing Access for Underserved Populations.

The development of dental therapy in the U.S. grew from a desire to find a workforce solution for increasing access to oral health care. Worldwide, the research that supports the value of dental therapy is considerable. Introduction of educational programs in the U.S. drew on the experiences of programs in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with Alaska tribal communities introducing dental health aide therapists in 2003 and Minnesota authorizing dental therapy in 2009. Currently, two additional states have authorized dental therapy, and two additional tribal communities are pursuing the use of dental therapists. In all cases, the care provided by dental therapists is focused on communities and populations who experience oral health care disparities and have historically had difficulties in accessing care. This article examines the development and implementation of the dental therapy profession in the U.S. An in-depth look at dental therapy programs in Minnesota and the practice of dental therapy in Minnesota provides insight into the early implementation of this emerging profession. Initial results indicate that the addition of dental therapists to the oral health care team is increasing access to quality oral health care for underserved populations. As evidence of dental therapy's success continues to grow, mid-level dental workforce legislation is likely to be introduced by oral health advocates in other states. This article was written as part of the project "Advancing Dental Education in the 21st Century."

Mike Grace interviews Keith Marshall.

Keith Marshall has many achievements to his name, not the least of which is his involvement in a semi-professional jazz band. As well as continuing to work part time in a wholly private practice in Edenbridge, Kent, he is currently chief dental adviser of BUPA DentalCover and chairman of the Dental Advisory Panel. Here, Mike Grace gets to know the man behind the dentist.

The training plan.

A training plan needs to be a working document that helps ensure the appropriate training for everyone in the organization is carried out.

The eleven essentials of effective staff meetings, part 2: Getting it together in the name of customer service.

So there you have them: our first 5 Essentials: (1) Punctuality; (2) No Interruptions; (3) No Titles, No Privileges; (4) No Hanging Back, No Monopolizing; and (5) A Written Agenda. Meetings, even the best intentioned of them, need structure, and we are confident that if you adopt these rules, or some reasonable facsimile, you will see great improvement in both staff and patient relationships. In my next article, the remaining 6 Essentials will be discussed, including how we put the Essentials to effective use.

The Indian Health Service in Oklahoma: dental service for American Indians.

The Indian Health Service has been providing dental services to American Indians in Oklahoma for more than 40 years. The dental program is part of an integrated health care delivery system that is one of the oldest examples of a staff model Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).