The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced on April 6 that the state has licensed its second dental therapist, a move aimed at increasing access to dental care and addressing workforce shortages. Jamie Toney, who practices at The Wellness Plan Medical Center in Metro Detroit, received her license in February. She joins Dana Obey, the state’s first licensed dental therapist practicing in the Upper Peninsula.
Dental therapists are trained providers who deliver routine dental services such as exams, cleanings, and fillings under a dentist’s supervision. Their training takes between three to six years—shorter than traditional dental school—and is designed to make entry into the profession more accessible.
Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS, said: “Dental therapists are an important addition to the state’s dental workforce. They are helping expand access to care, especially for residents in underserved areas where there are limited providers, which is an important focus for the department.”
Toney described her role by saying: “I take great pride in serving my community and being in a role that helps expand care for underserved populations, which allows me to give back to the place I call home in a meaningful way. For anyone who feels called to the dental field and is passionate about community impact and health equity, I encourage you to explore dental therapy. It is a powerful profession that is helping create meaningful change in Detroit and throughout the state of Michigan.”
Currently, Michigan has 59.1 dentists per 100,000 people; however, many communities still lack adequate access due to uneven distribution of providers across regions. More than 1.5 million residents live in federally designated shortage areas where children and seniors, low-income families, pregnant women, people with disabilities and rural residents face barriers accessing oral health services.
Ferris State University is developing Michigan’s first training program for dental therapists with Dr. Deborah Brown selected as its leader. Brown said: “Throughout my career, my focus has always been expanding access to oral health care for communities in need. Dental therapists are an important part of strengthening the oral health workforce and reaching patients who have historically faced barriers to care. I’m honored to join Ferris State University in helping educate and mentor the next generation of providers who will continue advancing that mission.”
MDHHS supports Ferris State’s program development through federal grant funding including $85,000 dedicated toward curriculum design support and accreditation efforts.
