Tribal, State, and Federal Policy Updates
The Native Dental Therapy Initiative works to establish the laws and policies needed for dental therapists to provide the maximum care for their communities. This authorization can happen through state, federal and/or tribal governments. Our team works with tribes, tribal organizations, and other partners to advocate policies that allow dental therapists to work at the top of their scope in as many practice settings as possible, and to make sure education pathways for this profession remain accessible.
Idaho
The Coeur D’Alene tribe spearheaded efforts in 2019 to pass S 1129: Amending Idaho Code to Provide for Dental Therapists. The law allows the state to license dental therapists and restricts their practice to tribal lands.
Oregon
The Oregon legislature passed HB 2528 in 2021, licensing dental therapists statewide. The law became effective on January 1, 2022. Dental therapists working for Tribes in Oregon hold a state license and/or CHAP certification through the Portland Area Community Health Aide Program Certification Board (PACCB).
For more information about what is in the OR Dental Therapy law, check out our fact sheet!
Washington
Dental therapists have been working for Washington tribes since 2016. Both the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Lummi Nation have established tribal licensing boards to license their dental therapists. Swinomish has also entered into memorandums of agreement to license dental therapists working for other tribes.
In 2017, the Washington state legislature passed Enrolled SSB 5079: Dental Health Services in Tribal Settings–Dental Health Aide Therapists, recognizing tribal sovereignty and establishing state law that allows for Tribes to access IHS and Medicaid funding for dental therapy services.
In 2023, the Washingston state legislature passed Enrolled SSB 1678: Washington Dental Access Campaign, which authorizes Dental Therapists to work in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and FQHC look-alikes statewide.
Federal
NPAIHB is leading efforts to stand up a Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) Certification Board in the Portland Area. Once established, this would offer a pathway for Portland Area tribes to employ dental therapists that are federally certified by CHAP instead of licensed by a tribe or state.
If you have questions or ideas or interest in becoming more involved, please contact Miranda Davis, DHA Program Director, at mdavis@npaihb.org.