Wisconsin has launched several initiatives aimed at bringing more dentists to its rural communities, Wisconsin Public Radio reported Jan. 23.
Seven notes:
1. The state has seen fewer dental professionals as older providers retire. Workforce shortages were also exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Baby boomers represented about 25% of dentists in the state in 2023, according to data from the American Dental Association.
3. Younger dentists are reportedly being driven to the state’s cities in search of better employment opportunities as they look to gain experience and pay off student loan debt.
4. Thirty of the state's 45 rural counties are considered dental health professional shortage areas, compared to four of the state’s 27 metropolitan counties.
5. The Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board began allowing Marquette University graduates to skip the practical exam required for state licensure in 2023, incentivizing graduates to remain in the state because they are licensed quicker.
6. State lawmakers also recently changed a scholarship for healthcare workers to make only dental students eligible. The scholarship supports students in exchange for the students agreeing to practice in an underserved community.
7. Additionally, Wisconsin authorized dental therapists to practice in the state last year to expand care.