The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) has adopted accreditation standards for dental therapy education programs. The decision, which was urged by the Federal Trade Commission, will allow accredited dental institutions to train midlevel providers.
However, the commission will not proceed with the accreditation process for existing dental therapy programs until it receives documentation that the institutions can meet Criteria 2 and 5 of the CODA policy, according to an ADA News story. Criteria 2 requires that the allied dental education area be in operation for a sufficient period of time to establish benchmarks and adequacy measure performance. Criteria 5 evaluates evidence of substantial need and support from the public and professional communities to sustain education programs.
