The international dental therapist: history and current status.

Dental therapists provide preventive, restorative, and minor surgical treatment, mostly for children in government-sponsored health programs, in more than 53 countries. Their quality of care and acceptance by the public and dental profession has been well-documented. Since 2005, they have been effectively serving native Alaskans in remote communities. Not only do dental therapists provide basic dental care to underserved populations, they enable associated dentists to practice at a higher level of proficiency and efficiency.