Weaving Oral Health Provider Perspectives to Guide Future Dental Therapy Advocacy and Implementation Efforts

Amanda Llaneza ^1,2* Julie Seward ¹ Kara A Stone ¹

• ¹ Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, Oklahoma City, United States
• ² Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States

Introduction: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in the United States (U.S.) face greater oral healthcare inequities than other groups in the country. A solution to improving oral healthcare access for AI/AN communities in the US is the integration of dental therapists (DT). However, it has been met with opposition. The goal of this study was to explore oral health provider engagement and perspectives of DT implementation in local communities. Methods: Engagement of DT from the dental provider perspective from conference attendees was analyzed via optional, electronic post-conference surveys. Descriptive statistics were utilized to report the position type of attendees, years of experience in the role, incorporation of clinical courses for DT scope of practice, and clinic management and administration. Surveys included two open-ended questions inquiring about personal objectives, and comments of the conference. From attendee’s open-ended statements on objectives for attending this conference, key patterns were described. Results: One hundred people nationwide attended the conference. Of these attendees, 56% completed the post-conference survey. Among respondents, 25% identified as dentists, 23% as dental hygienists, 46% as dental therapists, 6% as other oral health workforce members. The majority felt the strategies related to DT could be incorporated regardless of type of workforce position. Fifty-seven percent of dentists felt it would be easy or very easy to implement strategies from the conference, and 75% of dental hygienists and other workforce members felt it was easy or very easy to implement strategies from the conference. Education, advocacy, and networking were identified as the main objectives for attending. Discussion: The conference platform encouraged dissenting viewpoints to contribute to academic and policy debates to ultimately provide broader access to oral healthcare through a comprehensive team approach. There was strong support across positions to advocate for and expand DT to the lower 48 states of the US, particularly within underserved communities. Most providers felt this could be done with ease and no providers indicated opposition in open-ended remarks. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, dental associations, educational institutions, and community advocates can create a pathway for the successful integration of dental therapists into the healthcare system.