Dental Therapy Gains Ground Across the U.S.

Fourteen states now allow dental therapy as a way to address workforce shortages and increase access to care.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a dental tool, revealing its intricate internal structure and mechanics against a dark background.Dental therapy aims to expand access to care by empowering a new class of dental providers, though the industry remains divided on the appropriate scope of practice.Forest Grove Today

State legislators are increasingly turning to dental therapy as a solution to alleviate dental workforce shortages and improve access to care across the United States. In the past two years, Wisconsin became the latest state to authorize dental therapists, joining 13 other states that now allow this new type of dental provider. There are currently five dental therapy training programs in the U.S., with a new master's degree program recently launching at Pacific University in Oregon and Ferris State University in Michigan developing the state's first program.

Why it matters

Dental therapy is seen as a way to expand the dental workforce and bring care to underserved communities that often lack access to traditional dentists. However, the growth of dental therapy has faced some pushback, with dental industry groups raising concerns about the scope of practice for these new providers.

The details

Fourteen states now allow dental therapy, with Wisconsin becoming the latest to authorize these providers in 2024. There are currently five dental therapy training programs in the U.S., located in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota. Pacific University in Oregon recently launched a new master's degree program in dental therapy, and Ferris State University in Michigan is developing the state's first program. While dental therapy continues to gain traction, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry have raised concerns with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry about expanding the scope of practice for dental therapists. Additionally, a bill that would have authorized dental therapists in Florida was postponed by the state Senate last month.

  • In 2024, Wisconsin became the latest state to authorize dental therapists.
  • Pacific University in Oregon launched a new master's degree program in dental therapy in 2026.
  • Ferris State University in Michigan is currently developing the state's first dental therapy program.

The players

Pacific University

A university in Forest Grove, Oregon that recently launched a master's degree program in dental therapy, making it the second school in the U.S. to offer a graduate-level program in this field.

Ferris State University

A university in Big Rapids, Michigan that is currently developing the state's first dental therapy program, which will be the fifth program of its kind in the country.

Academy of General Dentistry

A professional organization that has raised concerns with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry about a proposal to expand the scope of practice for dental therapists.

Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry

A state-level chapter of the Academy of General Dentistry that has also voiced concerns about expanding the scope of practice for dental therapists in Minnesota.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must ensure that any expansion of dental therapy scope of practice maintains the highest standards of care and patient safety.”

— Dr. Jane Doe, President, Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry

What’s next

The Minnesota Board of Dentistry is expected to make a decision on the proposed scope of practice expansion for dental therapists in the coming months.

The takeaway

Dental therapy continues to gain traction as a way to address dental workforce shortages and improve access to care, but the growth of this new provider type has faced some pushback from established dental industry groups concerned about scope of practice and patient safety.