Online Program

293599
Minnesota advanced dental therapists program: A model for integration in community-based dental care for underserved populations


Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 12:55 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Sarah Wovcha, J.D. M.P.H, Children's Dental Services, Minneapolis, MN
Advanced Dental Therapists have been introduced into the dental workforce in Minnesota to provide care for patients in private dental offices and FQHC under direct supervision of dentists primarily to serve underserved populations. Tangible guidance related to the successful passage of Minnesota's pioneering legislation, how the new dental workforce has been integrated into these settings, data on the first cohort of the dental therapists, and the employer's perspective will be described. Minnesota's data tracking of this new position and its integration into the local workforce illustrate the impact and potential for replication of this model across the nation.

Learning Areas:

Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Other professions or practice related to public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Define Advanced Dental Therapy, discuss the introduction of Advanced Dental Therapists into the dental workforce in Minnesota, describe tangible guidance related to the successful passage of Minnesota's pioneering legislation, analyze Minnesota's data tracking of this new position, and demonstrate the potential for replication of this model across the nation.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified on this content because as the Executive Director of Children's Dental Services (CDS),the largest safety net dental clinic for low-income and school-based children in Minnesota, and a member of Minnesota's oral health coalition, I was instrumental in the passage of Advanced Dental Therapy legislation. I oversee the integration of Minnesota's first ADT into public health dental practice. Currently I track and analyze all data associated with this integration.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.