How to Become a Dental Therapist in Wisconsin (2026 Guide for Dental Hygienists)
If you’re a dental hygienist in Wisconsin looking to grow your career, increase your clinical
scope, and make a bigger impact, dental therapy could be your next step—and Dental Express
Staffing is here to help guide that journey.
As dental therapy continues to expand across Wisconsin, professionals who take this step early
are positioning themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field.
What Is a Dental Therapist?
A dental therapist is a licensed oral healthcare provider who works under a dentist’s
supervision while performing a broader range of procedures than a hygienist.
Often compared to a physician assistant in medicine, dental therapists help bridge the gap
between preventive and restorative care.
In Wisconsin, dental therapists can:
- Perform oral evaluations and assessments
- Place fillings and provide restorative care
- Extract certain teeth
- Deliver preventive services and patient education
This expanded role allows practices to increase efficiency while improving patient access.
Why Dental Therapy Is Growing in Wisconsin
The profession became a reality with the passing of Wisconsin Act 87 as of Jan 2024, opening
the door for licensed dental therapists statewide.
This change was driven by:
- Ongoing workforce shortages
- Limited access to care in rural and underserved communities
- The need for more efficient, team-based dental practices
As of 2026, dental therapists can also provide Medicaid-reimbursable services, making them an
even more valuable asset to employers.
Education: Your Next Step
Wisconsin currently offers a primary in-state training pathway through:
- Northcentral Technical College
This program provides:
- An Associate Degree in Dental Therapy
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Preparation for Wisconsin licensure
Important
Dental therapy is not entry-level—you must first be:
- A licensed dental hygienist (RDH) by the Wisconsin State Board of Dental Examiners
- Certified in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide as granted by the State of Wisconsin DSPS
- CPR/BLS certified
Career Path with Dental Express Staffing
Working with Dental Express Staffing, your transition into dental therapy can be more strategic
and supported.
1. Start as a Dental Hygienist
Dental Express Staffing can help place you in roles that build strong clinical foundations.
2. Gain Experience in High-Demand Settings
Exposure to different practices—especially those serving diverse or underserved
populations—can strengthen your application for dental therapy programs.
3. Advance Your Education
Pursue your dental therapy degree at Northcentral Technical College while continuing to work if
possible. Dental Express Staffing can offer flexible hours to allow for this.
4. Transition into a New Role
As dental therapy roles expand, Dental Express Staffing can connect you with forward-thinking
practices ready to integrate this position.
Why Work with Dental Express Staffing?
As the dental landscape changes, having the right staffing partner matters.
Dental Express Staffing helps professionals:
- Find flexible and permanent opportunities across Wisconsin
- Gain experience in a variety of clinical environments
- Stay informed on industry trends and new roles like dental therapy
- Connect with practices that value growth and expanded skills
For employers, this also means access to highly trained, future-ready professionals entering
the dental therapy space.
Career Benefits of Becoming a Dental Therapist
Advancing into dental therapy offers:
Increased Earning Potential
Expanded duties typically come with higher compensation.
Greater Clinical Autonomy
Move beyond preventive care into restorative and minor surgical procedures.
Meaningful Impact
Help close gaps in care for patients who might otherwise go untreated.
Strong Demand
As more practices adopt the model, dental therapists are becoming highly sought-after.
Is Dental Therapy Right for You?
This path may be ideal if you:
- Want to expand your clinical capabilities
- Are you ready for more responsibility
- Enjoy hands-on patient care
- Are passionate about improving access to dentistry
Dental Therapy Resources
https://www.chawisconsin.org/initiatives/oral-health/dental-therapy/
https://www.adha.org/advocacy/innovative-workforce-models/dental-therapy/
https://www.americandentaltherapyassociation.org/
https://communitycatalyst.org/work/projects/dental-access-project/
https://www.mndta.org/
https://www.dentaltherapy.org/about/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZo7pwcTy2Y
Final Thoughts
Dental therapy is one of the most exciting career advancements available to dental hygienists in
Wisconsin today.
With support from Dental Express Staffing, you don’t have to navigate that transition alone.
From gaining the right experience to finding the right opportunity, having a partner who
understands the evolving dental workforce can make all the difference.
As this role continues to grow, those who take the leap now will be leading the future of dental
care in Wisconsin.
Contact Northcentral Technical College:
https://www.ntc.edu/about/contact-us
1000 W. Campus Dr.
Wausau, WI 54401
(888) 682-7144