Oral Health in Indian Country is in a state of crisis. Tribal communities nationwide struggle with dental afflictions and disparities, as well as a severe oral health provider shortage.

Oral health is connected to overall health. Poor oral health can result in missed school or work and decreased ability to eat healthy foods. Poor oral health also puts individuals at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, dementia and diabetes.

A widespread lack of prevention services and a severe provider shortage throughout Indian Country contribute to these problems. Many Tribes are located in rural areas. Half of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) live in Dental Provider Shortage Areas. The problem also includes Tribes located in or close to urban areas with many of these Tribes having little to no access to dental care.

THE NATIONAL INDIAN HEALTH BOARD (NIHB) AND MANY OF OUR PARTNERS ACROSS INDIAN COUNTRY BELIEVE THAT A SENSIBLE AND TIME-TESTED SOLUTION TO THESE PROBLEMS EXISTS.

Dental Therapists – or DTs – are focused oral health practitioners that are trained and licensed to perform the most commonly needed oral health procedures. Tribes in Alaska were the first innovators to bring dental therapy to the United States in 2004. Over the course of its existence, this program has resulted in access for 45,000 more people in approximately 81 rural Alaska Native communities. The program has an impeccable record of safety and effectiveness, with no complaints of malpractice and 95% of patients report being satisfied or very satisfied with the services they received from a DT. Today, Dental Therapists are working in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, and will soon be working in Michigan and Arizona.