Dental Therapy
The Dental Therapy program is dedicated to extending oral health care to underserved populations while playing a critical part on the dental team.
Program at a Glance
32
Months
BSDH/MDT
Degree
7
Class size
About Our Program
In 2009, Minnesota became the first state to establish licensure of dental therapists, with the primary purpose to extend dental health to underserved populations. A dental therapist is a licensed oral health professional who practices as part of the dental team to provide educational, clinical and therapeutic patient services. Dental therapists provide basic preventive and restorative treatment to children and adults, and extractions of primary (baby) teeth under the supervision of a dentist.
Minnesota legislation created two types of dental therapists: a licenced Dental Therapist (DT) and a certified Advanced Dental Therapist (ADT). The scopes of these two provider types are very similar; the major difference lies in the level of supervision.
Dental therapists work primarily in settings that serve low-income, uninsured and underserved populations or in a dental health professional shortage area.
Our Division
Our division of Dental Therapy works to address issues with oral health care access to underserved communities within Minnesota by advancing the profession of dental therapy through a well-rounded dental education.
Application Dates & Deadlines
Applications are due January 6, 2023. All materials must be received by January 20, 2023.