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What is a Dental Therapist?

For more than 125 million Americans, basic dental care is out of reach. But there’s a solution that can help: dental therapy.

A dental therapist is similar to a nurse practitioner and works under the supervision of the dentist. They can travel all over the state to help people who may have trouble accessing dental care, such as children or seniors.

“I see rampant tooth decay every day, but I also know that I’m reaching those who are most in need,” says Christy Jo Fogarty, a dental therapist practicing in Minnesota.

In this video, see how Christy Jo is making a difference when it comes to dental health and why more U.S. states are authorizing dental therapists.

Learn more about dental therapy

The Pew Charitable Trusts. (2018, February 6). What is a Dental Therapist? Retrieved from http://www.pewtrusts.org.