Prairie Public NewsRoom
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

House rejects dental therapist bill

The House has rejected a bill to allow trained dental therapists to do some of the work of a dentist – especially in areas where there’s a shortage of dentists.

Supporters say there’s a shortage on the reservations, as well as for some Medicare patients.

"I talk to people in the reservation in my district," Rep. Bill Devlin (R-Finley), the measure's sponsor, told the House. "Their dental care is the emergency room."

Devlin said something has to be done to reach the children that aren't being reached now by dentists.

"I'm firmly convinced this is the solution," Devlin said.

But opponents said dentists across North Dakota don’t support the bill.

"I believe they (dentists) have the best interest of the state at heart," said Rep. Jim Kasper (R-Fargo). "they don't support the bill."

Fifty-seven House members voted “no” – 32 voted “yes.”

Related Content