Study backs the work of dental therapists
There has been some scepticism relating to the work of dental therapists; however, a recent study has backed dental therapists and found that they can make a significant different to oral health provisions, particularly in rural, tribal areas.
The study, which was piloted in Alaska, concluded that dental therapists actually made a huge difference to people living in remote areas; the dental therapists programme improved access to dental services and enabled tribal people to receive dental care, which many of them usually miss out on because of a lack of accessible dental programmes.
The programme was evaluated for the first time this month and a special review of tribal dental care was also released; the evaluation was carried out by RTI International of Research Triangle Park and funded by a group of organisations, including the W.K Kellogg Foundation, the Bethel Community Services Foundation and the Rasmuson Foundation.
Dental therapists have been working in Alaska since 2006 and the evaluation found that the programme had several benefits for local people; the study concluded that dental therapists had the necessary knowledge and information to treat people safely and effectively, access to dental care was improved by the presence of dental therapists and routine care was being provided, which was helping to reduce the number of people with serious dental health problems. Dental therapists work under the supervision of qualified dentists and allow dentists to focus on more complex tasks.
Despite the positive feedback, many dental experts and organisations have advised against a more widespread programme; the American Dental Association claims that it is not advisable to allow dental therapists to undertake the work of dentists because they do not have the necessary expertise or experience. It remains to be seen whether the Alaska programme will be introduced into other states.
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