Governor Tony Evers’ plan to spend more than 43-million dollars to expand access to dental care in Wisconsin, particularly in underserved rural areas, is being met with both praise and disappointment from the state’s leading voice for dentistry. The Wisconsin Dental Association, which represents about 35-hundred dentists, says it was caught off-guard by Evers’ Tuesday announcement. The group praises his aim, but says it wasn’t consulted. Dr. Patrick Tepe, a Verona dentist and association president, says one concern is the governor’s call for creating a mid-level position, known as a dental therapist, to address a shortage of dentists. Tepe believes creating “dental therapist licensure” will take away resources from programs with a proven record of increasing access to care. In a statement, Evers said, “Increasing dental access across our state requires a comprehensive approach.” The proposal also includes more than 16-million dollars to increase reimbursement rates for dental providers who see patients on Medicaid. The Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association applauds the governors plan. It says dental therapists are licensed professionals with skills between those of a dentist and a dental hygienist. Evers is also allocating 60-thousand dollars each of the next two years to expand a loan repayment program for dentists who opt to serve rural areas.
