Updated April 17, 2008

Minnesota dentists support passage of new oral health initiative

Minnesota Dental Association, others to collaborate on study of Oral Health Practitioner

St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) supported the successful passage of a legislative proposal today that will help ensure safe and effective care for Minnesota citizens that have difficulty accessing oral healthcare.

The MDA worked closely with other healthcare experts to propose the study of an oral health practitioner (OHP) that resulted in today's legislative action.  The study, passed today as part of the larger Senate Omnibus Higher Education Bill, will convene a workgroup of oral healthcare experts to study how best to implement this new dental position, with the goal of providing safe, quality dental care to underserved populations, such as low-income and rural areas.

"Today's Senate action was a major breakthrough that will improve oral healthcare for those Minnesotans in the greatest need of access to quality dental care.  The initiative reflects the tireless work of all oral healthcare stakeholders, including the MDA, Hennepin County Medical Center, the University of Minnesota Dental School, community clinics and others," explained Dr. Jamie Sledd, president of the MDA.  "It has always been the goal of the MDA to provide the best possible dental care to all Minnesotans: It is our hope that an OHP can help to efficiently and effectively expand access for underserved populations.  We thank Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon, Senator Ann Lynch, and Senator John Doll for their efforts on this proposal and for working with all stakeholders to produce a responsible compromise."

A workgroup representing dentists, dental hygienists and other members of the dental community will produce a study and recommend the specifics of an OHP's scope of practice, supervision, education, training and regulatory requirements.  The study will examine how an oral health practitioner may help expand dental access in underserved areas, ensure patient safety, and maintain Minnesota's high standards of care.  By January 2009, the work group will bring policy recommendations to the legislature.

The study of an OHP will be an important first step towards increasing oral health services to underserved Minnesotans.  The MDA will continue to advocate for other proactive changes to the state's public dental programs to increase access to oral healthcare in low-income and rural areas.

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 83 percent of practicing dentists.  It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans.  You can learn more at www.mndental.org.

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