It may seem like a hoax, but it is not: the Florida Dental Association (FDA) is fighting tooth and nail against a proven way to increase access to dental care for seniors, adults and children.
The FDA and its special interest lobby appear to be using a national playbook published by the Academy of General Dentistry that’s filled with disinformation designed to mislead policymakers and the general public. The playbook features talking points and even scare tactics to cast shade on the 100 years of evidence showing dental therapy is safe and effective.
The goal of FDA’s pushback is to shut down pending legislation to license dental therapists in Florida, as well as silence the many voices of those suffering from lack of access to basic dental care in their community.
What is Dental Therapy?
Dental therapists are mid-level oral health providers who:
- Perform the most common dental procedures, such as prevention, exams, and fillings under supervision of dentists.
- Must pass the exact same clinical exam as dentists after completing their 2-3 years of education.
- Provide advancement opportunities for dental hygienists and others interested in oral health.
Dental therapy is quite popular. “It is used in more than 50 counties and is especially valuable for vulnerable populations.” said Dr. Frank Catalanotto, founder of Floridians for Dental Access. “Every published study – over 1,500 – supports the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness.”
In the United States, dental therapists are authorized to practice in 14 states and tribal authorities. Several states, including Florida, are considering the measure.Last session, the FDA pushed a very tired and grossly false narrative when testifying against dental therapy. First, they stated that Florida has “plenty of licensed dentists” and also pointed to “existing solutions” such as loan forgiveness for dental students and Mission of Mercy charity dental clinics as being enough to remedy Florida’s oral health crisis.
Their arguments are not credible. Consider:
- The oral health of Floridians is among the worst in the nation.
- More than 7 million Floridians live without access to basic dental care in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas and 1,539 dentists are needed right now.
- In 65 of Florida’s 67 counties, children and families must travel far to be seen, face long waits for appointments, or go without care.
The FDA, sadly, is not a trusted resource on solutions to Florida’s oral health crisis.
“Fact is, the FDA is a trade association that looks out for the interests of their member dentists, and not all Florida dentists, and definitely not the interests of Florida’s everyday children and families,” explained Roy Miller, president of American Children’s Campaign.
Nationwide, any possible threat to dentists’ income such as dental therapy or even tooth whitening stores in malls have provoked fierce battles from dentists and dental trade associations.
The coalition supporting dental therapy in Florida is large and has over 400 organizations, individuals, health professionals and even dentists among its members.
Get the facts about dental therapy, as well as the fiction and fairytales being spread by clicking here.