The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is reviewing applications to fill the 10 slots in the nation's first dental therapy education program, according to an ADA News article.
The program is the result of the newly created dental therapist position in Minnesota. The dental therapist will be licensed to perform many procedures that have previously been done only by dentists.
The university has also started promoting dental therapy as a career option through its health careers center.
The school has researched dental therapy education programs in other countries and decided that educating dentists and dental therapists side by side is the key to long-term success, according to the article.
"Dental therapy students educated with dental students develop a collegial relationship and an appreciation for each other's skill sets, and are ultimately able to practice together more effectively," said Dr. Patrick Lloyd, dean of the school, in the article. Side-by-side training ensures one standard of education and one standard of competency, he noted.
The school will begin training dental therapists in September.
The program curricula are posted on the school's Web site.
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