Several dental practices have launched their own initiatives to help alleviate staffing challenges in the dental industry.
Three updates:
1. Mounds View, Minn.-based nonprofit dental clinic Apple Tree Dental is launching its Career Equity Project, a program to help increase diversity in the dental workforce. The program aims to raise awareness of oral healthcare opportunities among high school students to encourage them to seek dental professional roles, including dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists and dental therapists, according to a May 26 news release. Students will also be able to shadow or partake in one-on-one mentorship with a dental professional.
2. Mahesh Dholariya, DDS, established the Georgetown Dental Assistant School at his practice, Westinghouse Dental, in Georgetown, Texas. The school aims to meet the high demand for dental assistants in the area by offering a local, more cost-effective option for students. The program includes a 13-week course and at least 40 hours of externship experience. The school also offers flexible financing for students who cannot pay tuition upfront. The school has also invested in innovative technology for general, restorative and cosmetic dental services.
3. St. Apollonia Dental Clinic, a nonprofit dental clinic in Presque Isle, Maine, is partnering with the Maine School Administrative District 1's adult and community education department to offer a 10-week dental assistant education program to alleviate the local workforce shortage. Students will partake in weekly Zoom sessions and live training sessions at MSAD 1's dental lab and St. Apollonia.