AUGUSTA – A proposal to add a less expensive level of dental care in the state, and whether it would harm Maine’s residents and the economy, was discussed at a forum Wednesday.

Proponents of allowing dental therapists as a pilot program say it’s a way to provide more access to dental care quickly and efficiently to more Mainers. Dental therapists would work under the supervision of dentists and provide mid-level care.

Opponents fear that testing a new way of providing care on patients could put their health at risk and make it harder for dentists to make enough money in their practices to pay off student loan debt.

A panel of experts, state officials, dentists and legislators discussed the topic at a forum, “The Economics of the Lack of Dental Care,” hosted by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce at the Augusta Civic Center. Proponents intend to introduce a Legislature bill soon.

Frank McGinty, executive vice president and treasurer for MaineHealth, said dental problems can lead to many other major health issues, in turn causing workers to be less productive.

“We can’t afford to have people who are unproductive because of poor health,” McGinty told about 40 people at the forum. “We need to increase access. We need to do it safely. And we also need to figure out how to accelerate the progress.”

Mike Saxl, a former state legislator who’s now a consultant with Maine Street Solution, said Maine has a shortage of dentists and allowing dental therapists to do some lower-level tasks now done by dentists could provide more access, faster and cheaper.

Some dentists don’t agree that there is a shortage of dentists or lack of access to dental care in Maine. Dr. Robert Berube, a facial and oral surgeon in Augusta, said the main problem isn’t a lack of access, it’s getting Mainers to go to the dentist.