b'Dental TherapyLeading the WayAs dental hygienists, Yadira Martinez and Lizette Nguyen helped patients prevent tooth decay, but often they would see a mouthful of problems. I saw multiple cavities in my patients, Yadira said. But I couldnt do anything about it except refer them to a dentist. Now, I can do the work. Yadira and Lizette are among the first dental therapists in Oregon. Both women graduated in 2021 from a unique dental therapy program at Pacific University. The one-year program trains students, who are already dental hygienists, to diagnose tooth decay, provide restorations and extract primary teeth, among other dental skills. Dental therapists boost Virginia Garcias abilityTo be able to provide access to dental care for our patientsto provide through mobile services and our school-based health centers (SBHC). Over the past year, our dental team visitedmy patients affordable housing sites with our mobile clinic, and Yadira and Lizettewith a relied on both their dental hygiene and dental therapy skills. Soon, dental therapists will provide services at our SBHCs to help studentshigher catch up on preventive dental care delayed during the pandemic. level of Virginia Garcia is leading the way by putting dental therapists intocare is very service with this innovative therapy model. Citing a shortage of dentists and an increase in dental emergency room visits, Oregonsatisfying.approved dental therapist licensure in 2021. The licensure requiresYadira Martinezdental therapists to practice under the oversight of a dentist through a collaborative agreement that spells out their scope of work. Yadira and Lizette love the challenge of putting their new skills to work. To be able to provide my patients with a higher level of care is very satisfying, Yadira said.#WeAreVirginiaGarciaGive to support access to DONATEdental care for our patients.'