Study finds Alaska dental therapists' work OK

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A study found that dental therapists are competently drilling, filling and pulling teeth in the Alaska Bush, where dentists are in short supply.

The study was sponsored by the Kellogg Foundation, which plans to fund similar programs in other states.

The Anchorage Daily News reports 14 dental therapists are practicing in rural Alaska under the general supervision of dentists. The therapists go through a two-year training program in basic dental care.

The American Dental Association and Alaska Dental Society oppose the program. They say the therapists are not qualified to perform surgery.

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Information from: Anchorage Daily News, http://www.adn.com