Bipartisan Package Aims to Address Dental Care Shortages
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has taken a significant step towards improving dental care access across the state. On Wednesday, he signed a comprehensive package of bipartisan legislation aimed at tackling shortages of dental care in underserved areas.
Dental Therapists Licensed to Serve in Care Shortage Areas
The package signed by Governor Evers includes five bills, with one particular bill standing out. This bill enables licenses for dental therapists to practice in areas experiencing significant care shortages. Dental therapists hold a position between dentists and hygienists, allowing them to fill cavities and provide basic dental care. However, they are not qualified to perform complex procedures like root canals.
Support for Dental Training and Scholarships
In addition to the bill enabling dental therapists, the package also includes measures to support dental training programs. These guidelines will ensure the fair distribution of $20 million in state aid for dental training initiatives. Furthermore, the legislation creates scholarships specifically for dental students at Marquette University who commit to practicing in underserved areas. This incentivizes future dentists to serve communities in need.
Increased Flexibility for Dental Workers and Insurers
To further improve access to dental care, the legislation allows dental workers from out of state to practice in Wisconsin. This will help alleviate the shortage of dental professionals in certain areas. Additionally, insurers are now permitted to send reimbursements directly to the dental care provider if requested by the patient. This streamlines the payment process and ensures prompt compensation for the services rendered.
Signing Ceremony at Northcentral Technical College
Governor Evers chose Northcentral Technical College in Wausau as the venue for signing the bills into law. This decision highlights the importance of dental education and training in addressing the current gaps in dental care access.
Governor Evers’ commitment to improving dental care access demonstrates a bipartisan effort to address healthcare disparities in Wisconsin. By enabling dental therapists, supporting training programs, and implementing flexible policies, the state is taking a significant stride towards ensuring that all residents have access to quality dental care.
