Chronicling the dental therapist movement in the United States

Abstract

There have been three attempts to introduce dental therapists (DTs) to the US dental workforce. This account will review early failed attempts to develop DTs, the recent successful Alaska initiative, the Minnesota legislature's authorization of DTs, state dental associations' deliberations on therapists in the workforce, and the efforts of national advocacy groups, foundations, and state legislatures to promote workforce innovation. It concludes with a discussion of the opposition to therapists from elements of organized dentistry.