title: Minnesota dentists׳ attitudes toward the dental therapist workforce model.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dentists' attitudes and perceptions toward dental therapists, a new licensed dental provider in Minnesota. This study employed mixed modes to administer a survey using a stratified random sample of 1000 dentists in Minnesota. The response rate was 55% (AAPOR RR1: n=551/999). Results showed a majority of dentists were opposed to dental therapists performing irreversible procedures. In addition, results identified perceived barriers to hiring a dental therapist and found dentists do not believe dental therapists will alleviate oral health disparity in the State.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, 9-372 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States. Electronic address: bluex005@umn.edu.
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Blue
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 729, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rockwood
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Dental Care, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, 9-436 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riggs
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003797:Dental Staff; D003815:Dentists; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota
keywords: Access to care; Innovative dental workforce model; New dental provider