Restructuring Dental Education to Facilitate Access to Oral Health Care

Abstract

To review recent literature evaluating how current models of dental education are contributing to reducing oral health disparities in the USA. Recent innovations in dental schools’ curricula and admissions processes will be examined, as well as how oral health disparities have driven the education and subsequent expansion of the allied dental workforce. Dental school curricula and admissions changes have had minimal impact on reducing oral health disparities. Subsequently, educational innovations have resulted in the traditional duties of dentists being performed by dental therapists, advanced dental hygiene practitioners, and independent dental hygienists. Public perception is that extended employment of allied dental professionals has resulted in improved access and delivery of dental care to underserved members of the population. Development of a diversified oral health workforce that provides team-based, inter-professional care will help decrease the oral health inequities that exist in the USA.