More U.S. states are looking into midlevel providers because of the current economic crisis, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the States and the National Academy for State Health Policy.
The report offers a roadmap for state policy makers who want to allow midlevel providers, such as advanced hygienists, dental therapists, or dental health coordinators.
The number of dentists is not keeping up with the growth in the U.S. population, so increased funding for Medicaid dental benefits won't be enough to provide oral care to all those who can't afford it now, according to the report.
As states look for ways to stretch their dollars, midlevel providers offer an inviting solution.
"State examples and studies from around the world confirm that providers with a smaller scope of practice than dentists can efficiently and safely perform many components of dental care," the report concluded.
It lists political and practical factors that policy makers should consider as they move toward creating new classes of midlevel providers to meet their states' need.
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