AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, that would examine the feasibility of introducing a new program at the University of Maine at Augusta to help bolster Maine's dental care workforce.
As amended, LD 1026 would direct the University of Maine System to conduct a study to explore options for establishing a dental therapy degree program at the University of Maine at Augusta.
"Too many Mainers are unable to get the dental care they need, largely due to an acute shortage of dental care practitioners," said Mastraccio. "This legislation is an important opportunity to expand training and education for dental therapists who, working under the off-site supervision of a dentist, can bring care to people at nursing homes, schools or rural communities."
Dental therapists are dental hygienists who have continued their training and education at one of five accredited programs in the United States, none of which are located on the East Coast. These practitioners are licensed to provide dental exams, simple restorations, cavity diagnoses, cleanings and prevention education, particularly in areas with chronic routine dental care shortages.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Mastraccio is serving her fifth non-consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Legislature's Government Oversight Committee and the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee. She represents House District 142, which includes a portion of Sanford and Springvale.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Mastraccio], c. 305-965-2744