Eastern Washington University Charts a New Path With Dental Therapy Program
EWU is moving forward with plans to launch a master’s-level dental therapy program, aiming to strengthen the oral health workforce in rural Washington. While dental therapy is designed to expand access to care, the model sometimes faces opposition from organized dentistry and dental hygiene.
Eastern Washington University (EWU) is taking a significant step in oral health education with plans to open a master’s in dental therapy program, positioning the institution among a small number of universities nationwide offering the credential. The proposed program is intended to address persistent gaps in access to dental care, particularly in rural communities across Eastern Washington, where provider shortages remain a pressing concern.
The dental therapy program will complement EWU’s existing dental hygiene program. Backed by a $10.5 million commitment from the Washington State Legislature, the initiative includes relocating and expanding EWU’s dental clinic into a newly renovated space. The upgraded facility will feature 46 dental chairs along with modern classrooms, clinical teaching areas, faculty offices, and student support spaces, significantly increasing the university’s footprint in the district.
From a workforce perspective, the program is designed to help reduce reliance on hospital emergency departments for dental-related issues in underserved areas. Dental therapists are trained to provide preventive services, restorative care, and uncomplicated extractions while practicing under the supervision of a licensed dentist. In Washington, they may also work in community-based settings, such as federally qualified health centers and rural clinics, where access challenges are most acute.
Dental therapy remains a relatively new and sometimes controversial profession. Supporters see it as a practical way to expand access to care and advance oral health equity. Organized dentistry, however, continues to oppose dental therapy, raising concerns about patient safety, scope of practice, and quality of care. While some dental therapy models require prior dental hygiene licensure, others, including the EWU program, do not. Organized dental hygiene has generally opposed models that allow entry without first practicing as a licensed dental hygienist. These differing perspectives reflect broader national debates as more states explore alternative oral health workforce models.
EWU’s proposed program would be a 3-year master’s degree with small cohorts of 12 students, ultimately supporting up to 36 students at full capacity. The university is currently pursuing Commission on Dental Accreditation approval, a process expected to take 12 to 18 months, with a target enrollment start date of fall 2028. Click here to read more.
