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Practitioner:

Oral Health Providers: Dental Therapists

Overview of oral health providers

The links on the right lead to maps showing a comparison of all states and territories for the following three policy areas:

1) dental hygienists with direct access
2) states allowing dental therapy
3) states allowing teledentistry

Choose a tab to explore different options. For more detailed information, please click on a state or territory.

Oral Health Providers:
Dental Therapists

Mobile users can use this dropdown of states if the map is too small.

LEGEND

  • Dental therapists recognized in state or territory
  • Dental therapists not recognized in state or territory

Dental therapists are currently recognized in 13 states and two territories as an additional provider for specified dental services in the dental office or other approved practice sites. These professionals typically work with rural and underserved populations to improve access to needed dental services.

Policy areas for Oral Health Providers

Practice of Teledentistry

Dental Therapists

Dental Hygienists with Direct Access


Practitioner Scope of Practice

  • Behavioral Health Providers
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Oral Health Providers
  • Pharmacists
  • Physician Assistants

Oral Health Providers Overview

Learn More About Oral Health Providers

For More Information

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Acknowledgement and Disclaimer: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under UD3OA22893, National Organizations for State and Local Officials. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. government.

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