Effectiveness of mid-level providers in reducing oral health disparities
Palavras-chave:
Mid-Level Providers, Dental Therapists, Independent Dental Hygiene Practice, Oral Health Disparities, Medicaid Access, Workforce Equity, Preventive Dental Care, Underserved Populations, Dental Public Health, Policy ReformResumo
The issues of the oral healthcare disparity are chronically present in the socio-economic context of the United States, and they are overrepresented among the low-income, rural, and minority groups. Intermediary dental practitioners, including dental therapists and autonomous dental hygienists, have been implemented to fill the oral health care accessibility gaps. This paper discusses the effectiveness of mid-level providers in lessening oral health disparities by contrasting results between states with liberal practices and those with concealed supervision measures. The findings of several state initiatives, such as Minnesota and Alaska, suggest that independent practice models are linked to the better access to preventive and restorative care, greater Medicaid usage, and other benefits to oral health in underserved communities. Conversely, restrictive policies impede the provision of providers, reduce access to services, and continue to create inequity in access to care. The results indicate that broadening the scope of practice of mid-level providers as well as embedding them in Medicaid programs can achieve great success in oral health equity, affordability, and workforce distribution.
