Start a Dental Therapy Program

Building the Future of the Oral Health Workforce

Dental therapy education programs are a critical pathway to expanding access to care, strengthening the oral health workforce, and creating meaningful career opportunities—especially in underserved and Tribal communities.

The American Dental Therapy Association (ADTA) supports institutions, Tribal entities, and partners in developing high-quality, community-centered dental therapy education programs that are responsive to workforce needs and grounded in equity.

Why Dental Therapy Education Matters

Communities across the country continue to face significant barriers to oral healthcare, including workforce shortages, geographic isolation, and systemic inequities. Dental therapy education programs help address these challenges by preparing providers who are trained to deliver preventive and routine restorative care in team-based settings.

Well-designed programs:

  • Expand access to care in high-need areas
  • Create local, sustainable workforce pathways
  • Support culturally responsive, community-based care
  • Strengthen team-based models that improve efficiency and outcomes

Who Should Consider Starting a Program

ADTA encourages the development of dental therapy education programs within:

  • Tribal colleges and Tribal health organizations
  • Community colleges and universities
  • Academic health centers
  • Partnerships between educational institutions and community-based clinics

Programs rooted in community need and partnership are best positioned for long-term success.

Core Elements of a Strong Program

Effective dental therapy education programs are:

  • Community-driven: Designed in partnership with the populations they serve
  • Accessible: Support diverse student pathways, including non-traditional learners
  • Competency-based: Focused on clinical readiness and evidence-based care
  • Integrated: Aligned with team-based practice models and supervising dentists
  • Equity-centered: Address barriers to education and workforce participation

Pathways & Program Models

Dental therapy education can be structured in multiple ways depending on institutional goals and state or Tribal requirements, including:

  • Certificate
  • Associate degree programs
  • Bachelor’s or master’s-level programs (e.g., Advanced Dental Therapists)
  • Programs integrated within existing dental hygiene or allied health tracks
  • Tribal-based education models tailored to community workforce needs

Accreditation & Approval Considerations

Programs must align with applicable accreditation standards and regulatory frameworks, which may include:

  • State-based licensure requirements
  • Tribal authority and sovereignty considerations
  • National accreditation pathways (where applicable)

ADTA can help connect you with resources and partners to navigate these processes.

How ADTA Can Support You

ADTA serves as a national resource and partner in advancing dental therapy education. We can support your efforts by:

  • Connecting you with existing programs and subject matter experts
  • Sharing best practices and emerging models
  • Providing insight into workforce trends and policy landscapes
  • Supporting engagement with Tribal and community partners
  • Helping align programs with national workforce needs

Get Started

Starting a dental therapy education program is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on your community and the future of oral health.

Contact ADTA at info@americandentaltherapyassociation.org to explore how we can support your program development journey.

Steps to starting a dental therapy education program in your state!

 

  • 1

    Policy & Legal Readiness

    Make sure your state allows dental therapists to practice and that your program follows all required laws and regulations. Review licensing rules and scope of practice before starting the program.

  • 2

    Workforce Demand & Employer Alignment

    Assess the need for dental therapists in your region, especially in rural and urban areas with limited access to care. Work with clinics and employers to ensure graduates will have meaningful job opportunities.

  • 3

    Accreditation & Standards Readiness

    Review national accreditation standards for dental therapy programs and plan how your program will meet them. Program accreditation is required at this time for graduates to be eligible for state licensure. Accredited programs ensure students have access to student loans and federal loan repayment programs

  • 4

    Program Design & Curriculum

    Design a curriculum that teaches clinical skills, community health, and culturally responsive care. The curriculum should prepare students with the skills they need to practice safely and effectively.

  • 5

    Faculty, Staffing & Governance

    Recruit qualified faculty, staff, and mentors who support student success and inclusive learning environments. Strong leadership and clear oversight help maintain program quality.

  • 6

    Clinical Training Capacity

    Make sure students have access to high-quality clinical training where they can practice their skills. This includes supervised, hands-on care with patients or training with mannequins in simulation labs.

  • 7

    Facilities, Equipment & Infrastructure

    Consider utilizing existing infrastructure such as schools, facilities, and clinics to start your program – for example, community colleges with already-existing Dental Assisting and Hygiene programs.

  • 8

    Financial & Sustainability Planning

    Develop a budget to cover startup costs, accreditation costs, startup and long-term staffing needs, and ongoing program operations. When planning for sustainability, include in startup funding the first few years of operating costs to allow the program to build enough momentum to be self sustainable in future years. When planning for long-term funding sustainability, consider diverse funding mechanisms, including student tuition and patient care revenue from school clinics, state/federal appropriations, endowments, and philanthropy. 

  • 9

    Student Recruitment & Equity

    Create a plan to recruit students from diverse backgrounds, especially those from underserved communities. Support students so they can successfully complete the program, and consider cultural customs and community values while doing so.

  • 10

    Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

    Engage state and community leaders, employers, educators, and policymakers throughout the process. Clear communication builds trust and helps ensure the program reflects community needs.

  • 11

    Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

    Regularly review program outcomes such as student success, workforce placement, and community impact to monitor program effectiveness. Use data and feedback to improve the program over time.

  • 12

    Technical Assistance & Partnerships

    Work with experienced partners who can provide guidance and resources, especially if your goals include partnerships with communities experiencing limited access or underrepresentation in the dental professions. Technical assistance can help programs avoid common challenges and launch successfully.

If you want to learn more about dental therapy,
attend our annual conference:

 

ADTA Annual Conference 2026 August 10-12, 2026 - Detroit, Michigan

Join dental therapists, educators, policymakers, and advocates from across the country for the ADTA’s premier annual event. This three-day conference brings our professional community together to share knowledge, strengthen clinical skills, explore emerging research, and advance oral health equity.

Be part of the national conversation shaping the future of dental therapy.

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Click here to register today