The Profession
Who They Are
A dental therapist is a licensed oral health professional who practices as part of the dental team to provide educational, clinical and therapeutic patient services.
What They Do
Dental therapists provide basic preventative and restorative treatment to children and adults, as well as extractions of baby teeth under the supervision of a dentist. They primarily work with low-income, uninsured and underserved populations or in a dental health professional shortage area.
Where They Work
Dental therapists must work under the supervision of a licensed dentist. BEcause of this, most dental therapists work in the offices of dentists. Others may work in the offices of physicians or for the government. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Outlook
The outlook for dental therapists is projected to increase much faster than average. In the next ten years, the number of dental therapy jobs is supposed to increase by 11%. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Preparing to Apply
Students who are interested in applying to the dual degree program at the University of Minnesota must complete prerequisite coursework in anatomy, biology, chemistry, statistics and more. Students must also complete an online application, submit three letters of recommendation, and complete an interview. More information on how to apply to the dual degree program can be found here.