Bringing oral health solutions to Michigan through dental therapy

The need to improve access to oral health care in Michigan is not a new issue.

Despite longstanding efforts by many stakeholders, many Michigan residents — particularly seniors, pregnant people, people with disabilities, low-income families, communities of color, Tribal Nations, and rural residents — struggle to get the dental care they need.

As gaps in the oral health workforce are filled by dental therapists, we will see more providers in underserved areas and fewer barriers to dental care for those who need it most.

What are dental therapists?

And why do we need them? Dental therapists:

  • Are licensed oral health professionals who provide commonly needed oral health care like exams, cleanings, and fillings.

  • Practice under the supervision of a dentist.

  • Are trained in programs accredited either by state boards of dentistry or the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the same body that approves education programs for dentists.

  • Improve access to care by reducing barriers for vulnerable populations.

Become a dental therapist!

Ready to take the next step? You can now become a dental therapist in Michigan! As a dental therapist, you’ll:

  • Enjoy an accessible education pathway and career ladder

  • Bring care to populations that need it most — in traditional clinic settings and out in the community

  • Help build a more representative, cost-effective dental workforce

  • Reduce wait time for patients and help them keep their natural teeth

Learn about the career possibilities, educational requirements, and more today.

Status Update

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Status Update 〰️

Dental therapy in Michigan

Dental therapists were authorized to practice in Michigan in 2018 but they’ve been working internationally for over 100 years.

Work is currently underway at Ferris State University to open the state’s first education program for dental therapists.

Several students from Michigan are currently enrolled in dental therapy training programs out of state and will be returning to our state in the next couple of years.

In the meantime, a number of clinics and dental practices are seeking to recruit dental therapists from other states to come to work in Michigan.