Theme: My research does not fit any of these themes.
Sponsored by: Behavioral, Epidemiologic and Health Services Research
Description: For decades, the composition of the oral health care workforce in the United States consisted of dentists, hygienists, and assistants.  These traditional team members are well established and there is a common understanding of their roles within the oral health care delivery model.  With the introduction of the dental therapist in Minnesota, different opinions have been formulated regarding their role on the oral health care team and their potential to impact the delivery of oral health care.
Learning Objectives:
To present research findings on implications of the utilization of a non-dentist provider: a) Perspectives of dental practitioners b) Outcomes of economic modeling
To present research findings from socialization studies of a new oral health care team member: perspectives from faculty and students (dental, dental hygiene and dental therapy)
To understand opportunities for effective utilization of new workforce models in nontraditional settings within the community