When traditional dental procedures — like drilling and filling cavities and pulling teeth — are medically necessary, access to them is a critical part of ensuring oral health equity. However, less invasive services, collectively referred to as minimally-invasive care (MIC), are often an option. Having access to a full range of oral health services can improve peoples’ oral and overall health, their dental care experience, and their ability to choose the care that’s right for them.

A well-trained and culturally responsive oral health workforce must be available to meet patients where they are. For MIC to be effective, people need regular access to providers they trust.