Montana struggles with dental hygienist shortage: 4 notes

Montana is working to keep up with the demand in dental care while facing a dental hygienist shortage, KRTV reported Oct. 30.

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Four notes: 

1. The number of dental hygienists in Montana has increased by 24% in recent years, but the supply is still not enough to meet patient demand.

2. The state is also dealing with a lack in training programs, with the only accredited program being at Great Falls College Montana State University.

3. Rachael Bruce, the director of the hygienist training program at MSU, told KRTV that Montana has a greater need because it is a rural state.

4. The university has recently expanded its dental hygiene program to accept more students, and is looking to expand further into other areas of the state with satellite sites.

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