A proven remedy to oral care shortages

[link removed]


** New Badger Institute Video
Dental Therapy: A proven remedy to oral care shortages in Wisconsin ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
CONTACT: Badger Institute Senior Vice President Michael Jahr, 262-442-5208 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Milwaukee%20streetcar)

Access to dental care for disadvantaged populations is a national problem, but in Wisconsin it’s especially bad. More than 1.2 million Wisconsin residents live in dental care shortage areas. Children, seniors, veterans and the disabled are among the populations most likely to lack access to oral care.

Fortunately, there’s a solution. This video ([link removed]) tells the story of one state’s successful effort to provide dental care to underserved populations – without relying on taxpayers.

Minnesota passed legislation in 2009 that created the dental therapy profession. Dental therapists are mid-level professionals, similar to nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants. They work under the supervision of a dentist, allowing more patients to be seen at a lower cost.

The Minnesota Department of Health found that dental therapists provided care in almost 100,000 patient visits in 2016. When the dental therapy law was first passed, 80% of Minnesota dentists opposed the idea. Ten years later, approximately 70% of Minnesota dentists support the program and are clamoring to hire them.

A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers, supported by
a coalition ([link removed]) of more than 50 Wisconsin-based organizations, is advancing legislation that would allow this successful free-market and proven solution to be adopted in Wisconsin. For more information on dental therapy in Wisconsin, click here ([link removed]) .

============================================================
We believe competitive free markets, limited government, private initiative and personal responsibility are essential to our democratic way of life. The Badger Institute is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and does not receive government funding. Our work is funded solely through tax-deductible gifts from foundations, companies and individuals. We appreciate your support.
** Contribute ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2019 Badger Institute, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Badger Institute
700 W. Virginia St., Suite 301
Milwaukee, Wi 53204
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.