Dental Therapists Might Not Have a Strong Impact on Overall Caries Incidence, but They May Be More Effective Than Dentists in Terms of Reducing the Level of Untreated Caries

Article Title and Bibliographic InformationA systematic review of oral health outcomes produced by dental teams incorporating midlevel providers.Wright JT, Graham F, Hayes C, Ismail AI, Noraian KW, Weyant RJ, Tracy SL, Hanson NB, Frantsve-Hawley J.J Am Dent Assoc 2013;144(1):75-91.ReviewersElizabeth Phillips, PhD, H. Luke Shaefer, PhDPurpose/QuestionIn populations where midlevel providers conduct irreversible procedures, is there a change in disease increment, untreated dental disease, or cost-effectiveness of dental care?Source of FundingNone reportedType of Study/DesignSystematic reviewLevel of EvidenceLevel 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidenceStrength of Recommendation GradeGrade B: Inconsistent or limited quality patient-oriented evidence