Introduction to Dental Therapy

Speaker: Laura (Hale) Brannon, Sr. Project Manager, Dental Therapy, Community Catalyst.  On Tuesday, June 23rd, Schuyler Center and Community Catalyst held a conversation on dental therapists — how they expand access to oral health care, advance equity, and why the moment to act is now. At a moment when federal budget cuts threaten to significantly reduce Medicaid dental coverage and other programs millions of people rely on for oral health care, innovative workforce models like dental therapy offer a community-driven path forward. This webinar explores how dental therapists fit into the dental team, what the research says about their impact on access and oral health outcomes, and why communities across the country are looking to this model as a strategy for advancing health equity and economic justice. Whether you’re new to dental therapy or looking for a refresher, this session is designed for advocates, policymakers, and healthcare professionals who want to understand a workforce solution that’s gaining momentum across the country.