title: A qualitative case study of the legislative process of the hygienist-therapist bill in a large Midwestern state.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Inequitable access to dental care contributes to oral health disparities. Midlevel dental provider models are utilized across the globe as a way to bridge the gap between preventive and restorative dental professionals and increase access to dental care. The purpose of this study was threefold: to examine lessons learned from the state legislative process related to creation of the hygienist-therapist in a Midwestern state, to improve understanding of the relationship between alternative oral health delivery models and public policy and to inform the development and passage of future policies aimed at addressing the unmet dental needs of the public.
  
  
  METHODS
  This research investigation utilized a qualitative research methodology to examine the process of legislation relating to an alternative oral health delivery model (hygienist-therapist) through the eyes of key stakeholders. Interview data was analyzed and then triangulated with 3 data sources: interviews with key stakeholders, documents and researcher participant field notes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis resulted in consensus on 3 emergent themes with accompanying categories. The themes that emerged included social justice, partnerships and coalitions, and the legislative process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This qualitative case study suggests that the creation of a new oral health workforce model was a long and arduous process involving multiple stakeholders and negotiation between the parties involved. The creation of this new workforce model was recognized as a necessary step to increasing access to dental care at the state and national level. The research in this case study may serve to inform advocates of access to oral health care as other states pursue their own workforce models.
authors.forename: Haley E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Dollins
authors.forename: Kimberly Krust
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Bray
authors.forename: Cynthia C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Gadbury-Amyot
mesh_terms: D003729:Dental Care; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health
keywords: delivery of health care; dental hygienists; health care disparities; health promotion; public policy