Minnesota dentists׳ attitudes toward the dental therapist workforce model

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dentists׳ attitudes and perceptions toward dental therapists, a new licensed dental provider in Minnesota. This study employed mixed modes to administer a survey using a stratified random sample of 1000 dentists in Minnesota. The response rate was 55% (AAPOR RR1: n=551/999). Results showed a majority of dentists were opposed to dental therapists performing irreversible procedures. In addition, results identified perceived barriers to hiring a dental therapist and found dentists do not believe dental therapists will alleviate oral health disparity in the State.