State-based dental hygiene scope of practice (DH SOP) laws, regulations, and policies define the services that dental hygienists are authorized to perform and the supervision requirements under which they may provide those services. Variation in these laws across states can impact access to oral health care and contribute to workforce shortages in states with more…
Health Resources and Services Administration-supported health centers (HRSA-HCs) are a critical resource for individuals who may otherwise lack access to care, however there is difficulty recruiting oral health providers, which highlights the importance of retaining current staff. Addressing drivers of well-being outcomes, including job satisfaction, burnout, engagement, and intention to stay, may inform efforts to…
Legal scope of practice for dental hygienists differs by state. Research suggests that broader scope of practice laws at the state level can improve oral health outcomes. This infographic, an update from when it was last updated in 2024, illustrates allowable tasks for dental hygienists by each state in the United States, to help planners…
Both low birth weight and preterm birth pose serious health risks for infants, including being born with or developing a severe disability, having oral health problems, and experiencing infant mortality. Although the global prevalence of low birth weight declined from 2000 through 2020, prevalence in the United States and Canada increased during the same period….
The dental safety net is a crucial component of the oral health care delivery system providing needed care for vulnerable populations. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are an important part of the dental safety net and serve underserved communities, delivering care to all patients, regardless of income or insurance status. Staffing levels, types of services…
In the United States, use of oral health care services during pregnancy remains low, with fewer than 40% of pregnant women seeking preventive oral health care. Low use of oral health care services is concerning, as a lack of regular preventive oral health care and delayed treatment increase the risk of developing dental disease and…
The dental workforce in the US is facing a significant reduction in the number of dental hygienists and dental assistants. This decline, marked by a 10% decrease in practice capacity in 2022, is impacting the efficiency and quality of dental care services while presenting serious challenges to job satisfaction and the overall well-being of the…
Legal scope of practice for dental hygienists differs by state. Research suggests that broader scope of practice laws at the state level can improve oral health outcomes. This infographic, an update from when it was last updated in 2019, illustrates allowable tasks for dental hygienists by each state in the United States, to help planners…
Recent changes in dental workforce models, driven by rising demand for oral health services, have sparked discussions about the need for innovation and greater efficiency in the United States’ oral health care delivery system. Legislative action enabling new workforce models and expanding scopes of practice for the existing dental workforce has facilitated team-based approaches to…
Dental therapists (DTs) are primary dental care practitioners that have been deployed in many countries around the world. There is increasingly strong evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of DTs, including their ability to promote community-based services and enhance oral health equity. Following the approval of education standards by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)…
