Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers took a significant step towards improving access to dental care and addressing workforce shortages in the state. On Wednesday, he signed a comprehensive bipartisan legislation into law, signaling a commitment to expanding dental services for all residents.
Recent data released by the U.S. has highlighted the pressing issue of dental care shortages in Wisconsin. Health Resources Administration. The report revealed that 160 areas in the state, including geographic regions, facilities, and population groups, were experiencing a shortage of dental care providers.
To tackle this problem head-on, Governor Evers signed five bills as part of the legislative package. One of the key measures involves authorizing licenses for dental therapists in areas where shortages in care prevail. Dental therapists possess the skills to fill cavities but are not authorized to perform more complex procedures like root canals. By expanding the scope of dental therapists, the state aims to bridge the gap between dentists and hygienists, thus increasing access to primary dental care.
The package also includes providing $20 million in state aid to technical colleges’ dental training programs. This financial support will enable these institutions to enhance their dental education programs, equipping more students with the necessary skills to address the state’s dental workforce shortages.
Recognizing the importance of incentivizing professionals to practice in underserved areas, the new legislation also introduces scholarships for dental students at Marquette University who commit to serving in these regions. By offering financial assistance, the state encourages these students to consider practicing in areas where their services are most needed, thus ensuring that even remote communities have access to quality dental care.
In addition, the package allows dental workers from outside the state to practice in Wisconsin. This provision helps alleviate workforce shortages by attracting qualified professionals interested in relocating to Wisconsin and contributing their skills to the local dental industry.
Lastly, the legislation allows insurers to send reimbursements directly to the dental care provider instead of the patient upon the patient’s request. This streamlining of the reimbursement process aims to simplify administrative procedures and ensure that providers receive timely service payments.
Governor Evers chose to sign these bills at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, further emphasizing the importance of technical education in addressing dental care shortages. The signing ceremony symbolizes hope and progress as the state takes significant strides toward improving access to dental care for all its residents.
