Ohio is the latest state to introduce legislation to license dental therapists.
The measure, SB 330, introduced in May by state Sen. Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering), would license dental therapists to perform restorative and preventive procedures under the general supervision of a dentist.
Supporters say it will increase access to oral care.
"More than 1.5 million Ohioans live in areas with limited access to dentists. It's a problem that gets worse each day, and we have to act now to help Ohioans get the dental care they need to lead healthier lives," David Maywhoor, Dental Access Now Project director, UHCAN Ohio, said in an email to DrBicuspid.com. "This legislation will allow dental therapists, who will be held to high training and safety standards by the same professional accreditation organization that certifies dentists, to practice in our state under the supervision of a dentist."
He said the bill will also remove unnecessary regulations on dental hygienists. Ohio has 84 dental health professional shortage areas.
The Ohio Dental Hygiene Association supports the bill, but it is opposed by the Ohio Dental Association.
