New Mexico has a dental crisis affecting over 1 million people. The state Legislature can alleviate it by approving House Bill 306, the Dental Therapist Licensure Act. Research has shown that dental therapists provide safe, effective, and affordable care. This is a common-sense solution to a serious problem of access to dental care in underserved areas.
Dental therapists will take nothing away from dentists. Yet, some dentists who are unfamiliar with this concept are using their considerable political power to oppose it. It is frustrating that this political pressure has made good legislators forget the big picture: dental therapists give us the best chance of reducing pain and suffering for thousands of New Mexicans.
We already have waited four years to license dental therapists. Our legislature needs to do the right thing and pass HB 306 before the end of this session.
Mim Dixon, Ph.D.
Albuquerque
(Originally published as a lettor to the editor in the Santa Fe New Mexican, 2/19/2014.)