Task force to study how dental therapists can work across WA
Attend the first Task Force meeting on Monday, July 26 at 2pm via Zoom!
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99619634002?pwd=ZEV3T3Bnd0Q5TEZuV3dESjdsaWlyQT09
Meeting ID: 996 1963 4002
Passcode: Dental
We were excited to see our lawmakers take a step towards oral health equity this past legislative session by establishing a Dental Therapy Task Force. Composed of dental professionals, health care providers, tribal representatives, and community members, the task force will come together to study how dental therapists can expand access to oral health care in more underserved communities.
We know that many Washingtonians experience stagnant or declining oral health care access and outcomes and that this lack of access, and the dental health and financial problems that result, are most pronounced in low-income, rural, and non-white communities. Dental therapy is a proven solution to this problem. A recent study by the University of Washington found that communities with dental therapists in Alaska (where dental therapists have been authorized to practice for 15 years) saw improved health outcomes: more preventive care, fewer tooth extractions, and decreased use of general anesthesia on children.
Dental therapists are often recruited from, and employed in, communities where health care access is scarce, so patients get care from trusted providers who know their community. One of the Task Force members, Rochelle Ferry, an experienced dental therapist currently working for the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe says, “As a Native American, I can speak to how big of an impact representation has in oral health. From the elders I visit at their home to make them more comfortable to the new and expecting mothers I spend time introducing oral health to that might not otherwise think about the dental clinic. With 15 years’ experience serving the unique needs of tribal communities in Alaska and now Washington, I’m excited to see this success in oral health access expand statewide.”
Legislators from across the political spectrum will also participate in the task force, aiming to better understand impacted communities’ need for access to dental care and how to craft a policy that implements dental therapy as a solution for Washingtonians in need.
Senator Ann Rivers of the 18th legislative district and longtime supporter of dental therapy says, “For years I have sponsored this commonsense solution to the oral health care access crisis in our state. It’s time for all oral health stakeholders to come to the table, put the needs of underserved communities first, and move the conversation forward. I believe this process can help us do just that and I am excited to be a part of the process.”
The first meeting of the task force will be on July 26. Members will come together to discuss: “What is quality oral health and who is being missed?” We’ll be following the conversation closely. Want to keep up with the task force’s progress? Sign up for our newsletter for important updates and action items.