The Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board (AAIHB) earlier this month passed a resolution with no opposing votes to support legislation to include dental therapists as a dental provider under the NM Dental Practice Act.
The AAIHB serves 27 tribes and Pueblos in the state of New Mexico, Southern Colorado and Texas. The AAIHB cited improved access to dental services and the health of rural, tribal and underserved New Mexicans as the reason for the resolution and recognized that NM would be eligible in 2011 for $4 million in federal grant money for the training and employment of dental therapists who practice in rural, tribal and underserved communities.
To read the resolution in its entirety, click here.
For more information about the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, visit their website http://www.aaihb.org/Default.htm
AAIHB is a nonprofit organization, 100 percent Indian-owned and operated, serving tribal communities in New Mexico and southern Colorado.
AAIHB provides specialized health services including clinical Audiology and HIV/AIDS prevention education, as well as advocacy, training, innovative capacity building programs and technical assistance.
Mission Statement
The Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc. advocates on behalf of American Indians through the delivery of quality health care services, which honor spiritual and cultural values.