Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-14-2024

Abstract

Dental therapists have emerged as a solution to improve access to dental care. Understanding Arizona dentists' attitudes towards dental therapists is crucial in the successful integration into the dental workforce and its potential to be a viable solution. Licensed dentists in Arizona were invited to participate in an anonymous study. Participants were asked questions regarding the scope of practice, current educational standards, and quality of treatment to determine the attitudes of dentists towards dental therapists. Eight dentists licensed in Arizona participated in the survey (N=8). The study found concerns among Arizona dentists regarding the treatment quality and educational standards (N=3; 37.5%). Still, most dentists believed that dental therapists could improve access to dental care in Arizona (N=5; 62.5%). Due to the limited response rate, continued research is necessary to ensure that dental therapists are an effective means to improving access to oral health care in Arizona.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Nicole Gonzales

Second Committee Member

Robin Gatlin

Third Committee Member

Christina Calleros

Language

English

Keywords

dental therapists, access to care, dental workforce

Document Type

Thesis

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