title: Utilization of nondentist providers and attitudes toward new provider models: findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to quantify, within the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, current utilization of dental hygienists and assistants with expanded functions and quantify network dentists' attitudes toward a new nondentist provider model - the dental therapist.
  
  
  METHODS
  National Dental Practice-Based Research Network practitioner-investigators participated in a single, cross-sectional administration of a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Current nondentist providers are not being utilized by network practitioner-investigators to the fullest extent allowed by law. Minnesota practitioners, practitioners in large group practices, and those with prior experience with expanded-function nondentist providers delegate at a higher rate and had more-positive perceptions of the new dental therapist model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Expanding scopes of practice for dental hygienists and assistants has not translated to the maximal delegation allowed by law among network practices. This finding may provide insight into dentists' acceptance of newer nondentist provider models.
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Dental Care, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Blue
authors.forename: D Ellen
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Funkhouser
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riggs
authors.forename: D Brad
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Rindal
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Worley
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Pihlstrom
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Benjamin
authors.forename: Gregg H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Gilbert
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical
keywords: delivery of dental care; dental auxiliaries; dental group practices; dental practice patterns