Dentists assistants' roles expanded

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Some dentists say North Carolina needs to create a mid-level dental worker to expand care in rural areas.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Tuesday some dentists want the legislature to study the idea of allowing mid-level dental professionals to provide care.

Burlington Dentist Dr. Steven Slott says four of the state's 100 counties have no dentists and six others have severe shortages.

Slott says a mid-level worker could provide simple services more cheaply than regular dentists.

The American Dental Association has opposed an advanced dental hygienist practitioner model.

The North Carolina Dental Society has opposed such efforts in the past. But the executive director, Dr. Alec Parker, says the society is open to considering the prospect of mid-level practitioners.

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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com