Michigan licenses first dental therapist to help increase access to care; address workforce shortages

Ferris State University preparing to launch dental therapy program 

LANSING, Mich. – As part of an effort by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to increase access to dental care for all Michigan residents, the state’s first dental therapist has been licensed and is practicing in the Upper Peninsula. Additionally, to increase the number of dental therapists in the state, MDHHS is assisting with the development of a dental therapy training program. 

Dental therapists are licensed providers trained to deliver routine dental care including exams, cleanings and fillings under a dentist’s supervision. Because they focus on a limited set of procedures, training is faster and more affordable than traditional dental school – three to six years compared to eight years. 

“Strengthening the state’s dental workforce is an important focus for the department,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Licensing Michigan’s first dental therapist is an important step in expanding access to care in underserved areas where there are limited providers.”  

Dental therapists can practice in traditional private offices and non-traditional settings such as schools, mobile clinics and community health centers. The profession has existed globally for more than 100 years and is authorized in at least 14 states. 

"I am proud to be the first dental therapist in Michigan because I have the opportunity every single day to show others how rewarding this career can be and the powerful impact a dental therapist can have on improving access to oral health care in underserved communities,” said Dana Obey, licensed dental therapist. “I hope my journey inspires others to join this profession. Becoming Michigan’s first dental therapist is more than a career milestone – it’s an opportunity to go above and beyond to provide a safe space where patients feel respected and heard. I’ve seen firsthand how, with the right support, tools and education, lasting lifestyle changes are possible.”  

While Michigan has 59.1 dentists per 100,000 people, they are not equally distributed throughout the state or representative of the populations they serve. More than 1.5 million residents live in federally designated dental shortage areas with limited access to care. This includes children and seniors, low-income families, pregnant women, people with disabilities and rural residents.  

Dental therapists are uniquely trained to serve these populations, helping to: 

• Reduce wait times. 

• Expand access cost effectively. 

• Ease pressure on existing providers. 

• Improve cultural and linguistic representation in care. 

Michigan established a licensure pathway for dental therapists in 2021. However, as no dental therapy programs are offered in the state, Michigan students have had to pursue their education in other states with the intention of returning to serve in Michigan communities. Currently, only five dental therapy programs exist nationally 

This is set to change as Ferris State University is developing Michigan’s first program, targeted to launch in the next couple years. MDHHS is assisting Ferris State with program development through a federal Health Resources and Services Administration oral health workforce grant. This includes $85,000 in funding to help the university hire a consultant to assist with curriculum design and accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation.  

“The development of a Michigan dental therapy program is another way our state is working to ensure Michigan families can easily access care as oral health plays a critical role in overall health and well-being,” said Hertel. 

Learn more about dental therapy at MI Dental Access. 

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