Five notes:
1. The program, operated by the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, could launch as early as next month, the radio station reported.
2. The yearlong residency will bring three new dentists to clinics in the state’s rural communities, which mostly serve older and low-income residents.
3. New Hampshire’s dental workforce shortage has led to the end of dental services at some clinics, including the Mascoma Community Health Center in Canaan and the Ammonoosuc Community Health Services dental clinic in Littleton.
4. The state needs more dentists who accept Medicaid to meet increased demand when the state’s Medicaid benefit takes effect next year.
5. Stephanie Pagliuca, director of workforce development and recruitment for the Bi-State Primary Care Association serving Vermont and New Hampshire, said she hopes some of the residents will stay in the state after completing the program.
