The Oral Health Workforce Research Center studies dental hygienist (DH) scope of practice and finds great variability in what DHs in different states are allowed to do. Researchers at the Center built a scope of practice scale for DHs, the Dental Hygiene Professional Practice Index (DHPPI) and used it to score state-specific DH scope of…
Prior research has confirmed increasing gender diversity in dental education programs and dental workforce. While there is discussion that the increasing gender diversity in dentistry will affect practice models, work hours, and the availability of specialty dentists or dentists in less populated areas, there is limited research that describes variation in characteristics of dental practice…
Legislators in each state construct policies to define legal scope of practice (SOP) for dental hygienists in their state. These policies create variation in the tasks Dental Hygienists (DH) in different states are legally allowed to perform, which ultimately impacts access to oral healthcare services. The Oral Health Workforce Research Center developed an infographic that…
There is growing recognition of the relationship between mental illness and behavioral health disorders with oral and physical health status. Safety net provider organizations are key to providing integrated care for many of their patients with mental health or substance use disorders. The Oral Health Workforce Research Center conducted 6 case studies of Federally Qualified…
Oral health providers across the country that work in the safety net have used a variety of innovative strategies to expand access to oral health services in community-based settings, including federally qualified health centers, schools and nursing homes, among others. This compendium summarizes best practices in innovative oral health service delivery programs drawn from over…
Despite efforts to improve access to oral health services in the US, oral health disparities persist for many vulnerable population groups, including children. Children are especially vulnerable to not receiving health or oral health services because they are dependent on others to arrange appointments and provide transportation to services. Researchers at the OHWRC collaborated with…
Despite efforts to improve access to oral health services in the US, oral health disparities persist for many vulnerable population groups, including children. Children are especially vulnerable to not receiving health or oral health services because they are dependent on others to arrange appointments and provide transportation to services. Researchers at the OHWRC collaborated with…
Oral health providers across the country that work in the safety net have used a variety of innovative strategies to expand access to oral health services in community-based settings, including federally qualified health centers, schools and nursing homes, among others. This compendium summarizes best practices in innovative oral health service delivery programs drawn from over…
Prior research has confirmed increasing gender diversity in dental education programs and dental workforce. While there is discussion that the increasing gender diversity in dentistry will affect practice models, work hours, and the availability of specialty dentists or dentists in less populated areas, there is limited research that describes variation in characteristics of dental practice…
Legislators in each state construct policies to define legal scope of practice (SOP) for dental hygienists in their state. These policies create variation in the tasks Dental Hygienists (DH) in different states are legally allowed to perform, which ultimately impacts access to oral healthcare services. The Oral Health Workforce Research Center developed an infographic that…
