Schools and health systems nationwide are drawing up new programs to address the lack of diversity and shortages in the dentistry workforce.
Here are six programs tackling these challenges:
1. Mexico, N.Y.-based Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation added a dental assisting program to meet the demand for this role in Oswego County.
2. The Hispanic Center for Excellence at UT Health San Antonio recruits students from underserved communities and trains them in dentistry roles to continue serving in their communities.
3. Cleveland-based MetroHealth System created a free dental assistant apprentice program that will launch in the spring.
4. Great Falls College at Montana State University wants to add students to its dental program to meet the demand for dental hygienists and dental assistants in the state.
5. Lincoln Technical Institute introduced a dental assisting program at its Iselin, N.J., campus to address the shortage of workers in the role.
6. Phoenix-based Valleywise Health established an advanced education program in general dentistry to train dental residents on providing care to racially and ethnically diverse patients