Northeast Delta Dental is investing $5 million to help alleviate dental workforce shortages and rising costs in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Part of the investment is targeted toward the lack of dental hygienists, helping dentist providers recruit and retain hygienists, according to a Dec. 18 news release shared with Becker's.
In addition to staff shortages, the cost of dental care has increased 5.3% in the past year. The investment is also intended to cushion the impact of rising costs for customers.
Northeast Delta Dental has also launched other initiatives, including dental school debt relief and dental assisting scholarships, to improve access to care and increase the number of dental professionals in the workforce.
The company offers dental insurance to businesses, nonprofits, families and individuals in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, the release said.