ADA newsletter: MDA has jumped on board- there will be a mid-level

• We're working with the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) to craft a response to the recent release of legislative recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health's Oral Health Practitioner (OHP) workgroup that calls for implementation of a "mid-level" dental position as created by legislation earlier this year. Our response will include a wide-ranging public affairs strategy to assist MDA as lawmakers next year consider the legislation again.
  • In addition to the OHP implementation bill, we believe supporters of last year's advanced dental hygiene coordinator legislation are drafting language that would in essence establish a dental health aide practitioner (DHAT) in Minnesota; they have intimated that they plan to have their bill introduced early next legislative session.
  • This means there likely will be three competing proposals in the Minnesota capital next year, including the MDA-endorsed concept from the University of Minnesota Dental School, a proposed therapist position. That position would create a new integrated member of the dental team while providing for education within the existing confines of an accredited dental school and maintaining critical dentist supervision.