ND considers midlevel providers

North Dakota lawmakers are in the early stages of considering whether to establish midlevel providers (MLPs) to increase access to dental care in underserved areas.

The North Dakota Dental Association (NDA) is opposed to the concept, saying the current system works well and no changes are necessary, according to a WDAY News story. One dentist said the state has more than 2,000 licensed dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants, twice as many as a decade ago. The NDA also noted that MLPs could perform irreversible surgeries such as tooth extractions.

The North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners recently approved expanding the duties of dental hygienists and assistants, who will go into the community to do preventive dental care and education for high-risk patients, including nursing home residents and preschoolers.

One lawmaker noted that there was also opposition to the addition of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, adding that the U.S. is the only developed nation that doesn't use MLPs.

However, supporters said there are about 700 people are on a waiting list to receive dental care at a community healthcare clinic in Fargo.

Some lawmakers said there are many places in North Dakota that lack dentists, especially rural areas and Native American reservations.