AUGUSTA (AP) — Some health care advocates and business leaders say Maine should allow dental therapists to perform some work to improve the oral health of state residents.

Proponents said at a forum in Augusta on Wednesday say such a program would provide more access to dental care quickly and efficiently to more Mainers, especially children. Dental therapists would work under the supervision of a dentist and perform mid-level care.

They say there is a shortage of dentists in the state.

They plan to introduce a bill in the Legislature.

Not everyone agrees.

The Kennebec Journal reports that Augusta dentist Robert Berube said the state has plenty of dentists, 95 percent of whom are accepting more patients. He says the problem is persuading people to actually visit a dentist.