FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2023
Governor Inslee Signs Dental Therapy Bill Into Law
Washington takes historic step towards creating equitable access to dental care
OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1678 into law today to allow dental therapists to practice in community health centers statewide, providing Washingtonians access to primary dental care providers who deliver routine and preventative care under a dentist’s supervision.
The bill was sponsored and championed by Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane). The House approved it with a 53-42 vote on March 4, and it passed the Senate with a 30-19 vote on April 11.
The Washington Dental Access Campaign, convened by Children’s Alliance and Statewide Poverty Action Network, has advocated for the expansion of dental therapists to address a serious oral health care provider shortage, which disproportionately affects families with low incomes and communities of color. There are more than 50 organizations in the Dental Access Campaign, representing health care, dentists, Tribal governments, and education, and they see the addition of dental therapists to the dental team as essential in reducing this shortfall. Passage of the bill marks the culmination of a decade-long effort.
“Due to inequities in our oral health care system, kids of color and families with low incomes have historically lacked access to dental care. The passage of HB 1678 is a great step forward,” said Dr. Stephan Blanford, Executive Director of Children’s Alliance. “Dental therapists will now be able to treat children in communities where care is sometimes unattainable, which will have positive impacts on overall health in both the short and long term.”
“Under Senator Riccelli’s leadership, with support from Senator Rivers and Senator Cleveland, dental therapy will become a reality for the more than a million Washingtonians who receive care at community health centers,” said Marcy Bowers, Executive Director of Statewide Poverty Action Network. “This will translate directly to reduced wait times for appointments and reduced need for extractions and other emergency care.”
Dental therapists are accredited by The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the same body that accredits dental schools and sets the standards for dental therapy training programs to ensure standardized, quality care. Dental therapists have clinical education for 80 procedures in 3 academic years, while dentists have clinical education for 500 procedures in 4 academic years. Dental therapists are trained on a set of commonly needed services, such as cleanings and fillings, freeing up dentists to focus on more complex dental procedures.
Dental therapists have been practicing in Washington state Tribal communities since 2016, where they have safely and successfully provided culturally responsive care. “I cannot imagine practicing without therapists and liken it to practicing without a hygienist,” said Rachael Hogan, DDS, Swinomish Dental Clinic. “But it is more than just introducing a new provider type, it is about breaking down educational barriers to train and diversify our profession, so our providers look and relate to the communities we serve.”
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