Dental Therapists

The field of dental therapy is becoming more accepted across the United States because there is a shortage of dental health professionals in rural areas (including tribal areas). Nearly 61 million people in the United States live in a dental Health Professional Shortage Area (https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find), as classified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, many people do not have dental insurance or cannot find a dental professional who will accept public insurance (i.e., Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program). These issues suggest that there will be strong demand for dental therapists during the next decade. Therapists with considerable experience and who are willing to relocate for job opportunities will have the best job prospects.