Our History
Dental therapy—a profession that includes Dental Health Aide Therapists, Advanced Dental Therapists, and dual-licensed dental therapists—has been an integral part of the global oral health workforce for over a century. Originating in New Zealand in 1921, the model has been successfully implemented in more than 50 countries, improving access to care and addressing disparities in underserved communities.

In the United States, the first dental therapists began practicing in 2005 in rural Alaska. Tribal Health Organizations, recognizing the urgent need for consistent, quality oral health services, developed the Dental Health Aide Therapist program to serve communities with little or no regular access to dental care. This innovative approach has transformed oral health in Alaska—today, more than 45,000 Alaskans have access to regular dental services for the first time.

The American Dental Therapy Association (ADTA) was founded in 2006 by four pioneering dental therapists—Stephanie Woods, Bobby Curtis, Lilian McGilton, and Conan Murat—who were inspired to expand Alaska’s success to other underserved regions across the country. Grounded in the belief that oral health is a fundamental human right, the founders dedicated themselves to advancing policies, education, and workforce development that ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, culturally competent care.

Since its inception, ADTA has become a respected national leader, educator, and advocate for dental therapy. We champion the profession by:

• Supporting dental therapists as they deliver care to hundreds of thousands of Americans each year

• Promoting evidence-based models that reduce oral health disparities

• Partnering with institutions to develop and strengthen dental therapy programs nationwide

Through this work, ADTA continues to drive progress toward a future where every community—urban or rural—has equitable access to oral health care.