On the pediatric oral health therapist: Lessons from Canada: Brief Communications

Abstract

Objectives: To review the development of dental therapy in Canada. Methods: Historical review. Results: Over its 35-year history in Canada, this model of service delivery experienced a period of great success, but has since degraded, not fulfilling its potential. Conclusions: To ensure the success of the paediatric oral health therapist, US policy leaders will need to mitigate the challenges that degraded the viability of this form of service provision in Canada. © 2007, American Association of Public Health Dentistry.