Podcast Summary
Dental Therapists in US: Dental therapists, a new addition to the US dental workforce, perform basic exams, cleanings, and procedures and have been successful in countries like New Zealand and the UK for years. However, they face opposition from professional dentistry organizations and are currently only practicing in five states.
Carrie Ann, who had unusual courage and positive experiences at the dentist, was inspired to work in the dental field. She considered becoming a dental hygienist but discovered the role of a dental therapist, which involves performing basic exams, cleanings, and certain procedures usually done by dentists. Dental therapists have been successful in countries like New Zealand and the UK for years, but they are a new addition to the dental workforce in the US. There are only about 200 dental therapists and they are currently working in five states. Some states, like Wisconsin, are considering legislation to allow dental therapists to practice, as they see it as a cost-effective way to deliver care, particularly in underserved areas. However, professional dentistry organizations have their own ideas about increasing dental care accessibility. After the break, Planet Money will delve deeper into the debate surrounding this emerging profession in the US. Support for this podcast and the following message comes from WISE, the easy-to-use app for managing your money in different currencies. With WISE, you can send and spend money internationally at the mid-market exchange rate, with no hidden fees or guesswork. Learn more about how WISE could work for you at WISE.com.
Dental therapists, healthcare professionals: Expanding roles of dental therapists as primary care dental providers, particularly in rural areas, can improve access to basic dental care and address healthcare needs in diverse communities.
Access to healthcare and understanding the roles of various healthcare professionals can lead to significant improvements in overall health and wellbeing. In the realm of oral health, NPR's "Black Stories, Black Truths" highlights the richness and soul of the Black experience, while the Body Electric Challenge encourages people to improve their sedentary lifestyles with impressive results. In the dental field, the presence of dental therapists in offices, particularly in rural areas, can expand access to basic dental care. Beth Mertz, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, explains that dental therapists, like nurse practitioners in a doctor's office, can handle primary care dental needs but are not physicians. They undergo a shorter and less expensive three-year program compared to dental school's four-year requirement. Alaska was the first state to introduce dental therapists in 2005, recognizing the need for dental care in tribal communities. Today, most graduates of Alaska's dental therapy program are of American Indian or Alaskan native background. This example demonstrates the importance of addressing healthcare needs in diverse communities and the potential impact of expanding the roles of healthcare professionals.
Dental care access: Millions of Americans lack access to affordable dental care due to a shortage of providers in their communities, particularly in underserved areas, leading to severe consequences including missed school days and link to more serious health conditions.
Despite an increasing number of dental graduates and dental hygienists, millions of Americans still lack access to affordable dental care due to a shortage of providers in their communities. This issue is particularly pressing in underserved areas, where the wait time for dental services can be significantly longer, sometimes reaching six months or more. The consequences of this lack of access can be severe, including missed school days due to dental pain, and the link between dental health issues and more serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular and digestive problems. The root cause of this issue is not the number of dentists, but rather the economic disincentives for dentists to practice in low-income communities. Federal data shows that over 58 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of dental health providers, and over 20% of adults and 9% of children have no dental insurance. The lack of affordable dental care not only causes pain and suffering, but also leads to absenteeism and missed opportunities for preventative care. We need to find ways to incentivize dentists to serve in underserved communities and expand the role of dental therapists and other mid-level dental providers to help bridge the gap in care.
Dental therapists: Dental therapists can help increase access to dental care in underserved areas and boost productivity of dental practices, but the ADA opposes their use and advocates for expanding Medicaid coverage instead
While there may not be a shortage of dentists in the US, access to dental care remains unequal, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Dental therapists have been proposed as a solution to fill these gaps, as they are often required to practice in underserved communities and can work under the supervision of a dentist remotely. Dental therapists can also increase the productivity of dental practices by handling simpler procedures, allowing dentists to focus on more complex and higher-paying procedures. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) argues against the use of dental therapists as the solution to equitable oral care, instead advocating for expanding Medicaid coverage for adults and encouraging more dentists to accept Medicaid to address the issue of unequal access.
Dental loan repayment and underserved communities: Initiatives help dental graduates from underserved backgrounds pay off loans while serving underserved communities, addressing shortages and promoting trust between patients and providers. Federal funding for dental therapy training programs may expand opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the dental field.
There are initiatives in place to help dental graduates from underserved backgrounds pay off their student loans while providing dental care to underserved communities. This mutually beneficial arrangement not only helps address the shortage of dental professionals in underserved areas but also promotes cultural sensitivity and trust between patients and dental providers. On a larger scale, the federal government is considering funding for dental therapy training programs, which could provide more opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the dental field and serve their communities. These efforts aim to improve access to dental care for underserved populations and foster trusting relationships between patients and dental providers.
Impact of Technology on Brain and Body: Prolonged use of technology can negatively affect our brains and bodies, but being aware and taking short breaks can help mitigate these effects.
Our prolonged use of technology, such as sitting and swiping, can physically affect our bodies and brains. This was a revelation I experienced firsthand, as I noticed a haze in my thinking clear up after taking short breaks. I encourage you to join NPR's Body Electric Challenge, a podcast series that explores this phenomenon in depth. By listening and learning about the impact of technology on our bodies, we can make informed choices to mitigate these effects and improve our overall well-being. It's a small change, but one that can make a big difference in how we interact with technology and the world around us.