This week Governor Shumlin signed S.20 into law, making Vermont the fourth state in the nation to allow dental therapists to provide dental care. Dental therapists will be licensed Vermont hygienists with additional education and training, so that they can offer some of the most needed dental procedures such as fillings and simple extractions. Governor …
You may have heard that the just-completed 2016 legislative session was lacking in big ideas or major accomplishments. While it’s true that the looming election and pending retirement of many prominent legislators was a distraction this year, it did not prevent real progress on a number of important fronts. That’s important because many of the …
After more than five years of debate, the legislature passed a measure on Friday that allows dental therapists to practice in Vermont! Dental therapists are mid-level dental providers with a scope of practice greater than a hygienist, but more limited than a dentist. Dental therapists will be licensed hygienists who can also perform some of …
Dental therapist bill heads to the Governor’s desk Read More »
Today the House of Representatives passed S.20, a bill that will allow dental therapists to practice in Vermont. Dental therapists are mid-level dental providers that can perform more procedures than a hygienist, but fewer procedures than a dentist. Dental therapists are part of the dental team in Alaska, Minnesota and more than 50 countries around …
Today the House Human Services committee voted 9-2 in favor of advancing S.20, a bill that would allow dental therapists to offer care in Vermont. Dental therapists are dental professionals with a scope of practice beyond that of a hygienist, but not as expansive as a dentist. Dental therapists are part of the dental workforce …
Dental therapy bill passes out of House Human Services committee! Read More »
This week, the House Human Services committee resumed testimony on S.20, the bill to establish dental therapists in Vermont. The committee is the first in the House to take up the bill after it passed the Senate last year. Hearing from a range of advocates, including VPIRG’s Falko Schilling, dental professionals, administrators and analysts, the …
House committee hears testimony on bill to expand access to dental care Read More »
Before lawmakers traveled back to their districts for Town Meeting Day break, members of the House Human Services and Government Operations committees hosted a joint hearing to learn more about how dental therapists are helping improve access in Minnesota. The star witness was Dr. Leon Assael, DMD, Dean of the Minnesota Dental School. As the dean …
Dean of MN dental school visits VT to advocate for dental therapy Read More »
VPIRG joined a broad coalition of lawmakers and organizations at the State House today to promote public health, celebrate Oral Health Week and voice their support for legislation (S.20) that would expand Vermont’s dental workforce. S.20 would let licensed dental hygienists receive advanced training and become certified as “dental therapists.” These dental therapists could provide routine restorative …
Oral Health Care for All coalition calls for expanded dental workforce Read More »
VPIRG and the Vermont Oral Health Care for All coalition are hosting an “Oral Health Week of Action” – a whole week dedicated to highlighting our campaign to increase dental access in Vermont. We’re advocating for S.20, a bill that would allow mid-level dental providers (dental therapists) to practice in Vermont. The bill passed the Senate …
The 2016 Vermont legislative session is here! VPIRG is excited to build on the nearly 45 years of success that we have achieved together and continue working in the State House to protect our environment, watch out for consumers and put Vermont on a path to a sustainable future. Click on a program name below to …
