Ferris State Launches Michigan's First Dental Therapy Program

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Ferris State University announced the launch of Michigan's first Dental Therapy training program on March 12, 2026. The program, led by Dr. Deborah Brown, an expert in non-profit dental care, will train dental therapists to provide routine care under the supervision of a dentist. This initiative comes as more than 1.5 million Michigan residents live in federally designated dental shortage areas with limited access to oral health care.

Why it matters

The new dental therapy program at Ferris State University is an important step in addressing the oral health care shortage in Michigan. By training dental therapists to provide basic services, the program aims to improve access to care for underserved populations, including rural residents, people with disabilities, seniors, pregnant women, and low-income families.

The details

The dental therapy program at Ferris State will provide students with the skills to perform routine procedures such as cleanings, exams, and fillings under the supervision of a dentist. The program is designed to create new educational pathways for students while addressing regional oral health care needs. Ferris State is receiving $85,000 in federal grant funding to support the initiative, which will be used to hire a consultant to assist with curriculum design and the accreditation process.

• Ferris State University announced the launch of the dental therapy program on March 12, 2026.
• The university will seek accreditation for the program through the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Ferris State University will seek accreditation for the dental therapy program through the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Curriculum development is ongoing with the support of federal grant funding and state health officials.