The role of the dental therapist is an expanding profession within the broader field of dental care. These licensed practitioners are trained to provide a range of treatments, increasing the capacity of dental teams and improving access to care. This career path is ideal for individuals interested in oral health, particularly in serving communities with limited access to dental services. This career sits between that of a dental hygienist and a dentist, focusing on common restorative and preventative procedures.
What is a Dental Therapist?
A dental therapist is a licensed oral health professional trained to perform a variety of diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental procedures as part of a larger dental team. They provide direct patient care, often under the supervision of a dentist, though the specifics of this supervision can vary. Their primary goal is to increase public access to routine dental care by handling common treatments, allowing dentists to focus on more complex cases.
The scope of practice for a dental therapist is more extensive than that of a dental hygienist. While a hygienist’s work is centered on preventative care like cleanings and patient education, a dental therapist’s duties include performing fillings, placing temporary crowns, and extracting primary (baby) teeth. Their services also include applying fluoride varnishes and sealants, taking dental x-rays, and managing gum disease.
This role is distinct from that of a dentist, who has a much broader scope of practice that includes complex restorative work, oral surgery, and creating comprehensive treatment plans. Dental therapists are trained to recognize when a patient’s needs exceed their scope of practice and require referral to a dentist or specialist. This positions them as mid-level providers who bridge a gap in oral healthcare delivery.
Educational Requirements
Becoming a dental therapist begins with a specialized education from an accredited institution. Aspiring therapists must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which sets national standards for dental education. This accreditation ensures graduates receive a consistent, high-quality education for clinical practice.
Dental therapy programs are offered at the bachelor’s or master’s degree level. CODA standards mandate these programs include at least three academic years of full-time instruction with a significant clinical component. For licensed dental hygienists, some programs offer an advanced standing pathway that builds upon their existing education, often culminating in a master’s degree.
Prerequisites for admission include a high school diploma or equivalent and specific science coursework, such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. The curriculum covers oral and general health sciences, patient assessment, treatment planning, and minimally invasive restorative procedures. Students receive extensive hands-on training in simulation labs before moving to clinical settings where they treat patients under the supervision of licensed faculty.
The Licensing and Certification Process
Graduating from a CODA-accredited program is the first step; practicing as a dental therapist requires a state-issued license. The licensing process is governed by each state’s board of dentistry, and requirements differ by jurisdiction. This state-level regulation is a defining feature, as dental therapy is not yet authorized in all 50 states.
A universal requirement for licensure is passing a clinical competency examination. These exams are administered by independent regional testing agencies like the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA) or the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS). The exam assesses a candidate’s practical skills in a controlled setting, covering procedures like amalgam restorations, pediatric endodontics, placing stainless steel crowns, and periodontal scaling.
States that authorize dental therapists to practice in at least some settings include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Prospective therapists must apply to the dental board in their intended state of practice, providing proof of graduation, exam passage, and sometimes passing a jurisprudence exam on state laws. Because the profession is still evolving, the list of states offering licensure is expected to grow.
Essential Skills for Success
Excelling as a dental therapist requires both technical proficiency and strong personal attributes. A high degree of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination is fundamental. The work involves precise movements in small spaces, making fine motor skills a necessity. This is complemented by a sharp attention to detail to ensure procedures are performed correctly and that subtle signs of oral disease are not missed.
Strong soft skills are also important for effective patient care. Excellent communication is needed to explain procedures in simple terms, educate patients on oral hygiene, and build trust. Empathy is another core attribute for working with patients who may be anxious or in pain. The ability to create a calm and reassuring environment can improve the patient experience and lead to better health outcomes. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a dental team are also needed.
Job Outlook and Work Environment
The career outlook for dental therapists is promising, driven by the need to expand access to oral healthcare. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not yet track dental therapists as a distinct profession, the related field of dental hygienists is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Salary varies by location, experience, and practice setting. A 2021 survey in Minnesota showed many dental therapists earned between $41 and $52 per hour.
Dental therapists work in various settings, reflecting the profession’s focus on serving diverse populations. Many are employed in:
- Community and public health clinics
- School-based health centers
- Mobile dental clinics that reach underserved areas
- Private dental practices
They are also found in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The work is performed as part of a collaborative team that includes dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to provide comprehensive care.