Dental therapists might not have a strong impact on overall caries incidence, but they may be more effective than dentists in terms of reducing the level of untreated caries.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: A systematic review of oral health outcomes produced by dental teams incorporating midlevel providers. Wright JT, Graham F, Hayes C, Ismail AI, Noraian KW, Weyant RJ, Tracy SL, Hanson NB, Frantsve-Hawley J. J Am Dent Assoc 2013;144(1):75-91. REVIEWERS: Elizabeth Phillips, PhD, H. Luke Shaefer, PhD PURPOSE/QUESTION: In populations where midlevel providers conduct irreversible procedures, is there a change in disease increment, untreated dental disease, or cost-effectiveness of dental care? SOURCE OF FUNDING: None reported TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Grade B: Inconsistent or limited quality patient-oriented evidence.