NEW ONLINE RESOURCE FOR DENTAL THERAPY LAUNCHED

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The W.K. Kellogg Foundation released today a new online resource center on dental therapy to serve as an educational hub for consumer health advocates, philanthropy, journalists, policymakers, health professionals, parents, students, colleges and universities, and libraries to learn about dental therapy and how it is changing the lives of children, their families and their communities.

“We are excited to share this important wealth of knowledge on dental therapy, curated from the expertise of many grantees and partners who are dedicated to promoting oral health equity for children and families,” said Patrick Simpson, director of food, health and well-being with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

This new website offers an extensive library of articles, documents, infographics, interactive tools, interviews, podcasts, social media assets and videos from organizations and experts across the country that showcase the opportunities and benefits of dental therapists to improving oral health.

Oral health is critical to overall health, yet many of America’s children cannot get access to dental care where they live and when they need it. Dental therapists are part of a dentist-led team, who provide education, routine preventative and restorative care – including cleanings, fillings and simple extractions under the general supervision of a dentist – freeing the dentist to do the more advanced procedures. As a profession recognized in more than 50 countries, today in the U.S., dental therapists are practicing in Alaska, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, while more tribes and states are considering how dental therapists can provide greater access to dental care in more communities.

Learn more at http://dentaltherapyresourceguide.wkkf.org.