AUGUSTA ( AP) — Some health care advocates and business leaders say Maine should allow dental therapists to perform some work to improve the oral health of state residents.
Proponents at a forum in Augusta on Wednesday say such a program would provide more access to dental care quickly and efficiently to more Mainers, especially children. Dental therapists would work under the supervision of a dentist and perform midlevel care.
They say there is a shortage of dentists in the state.
They plan to introduce a bill in the Legislature.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less