Vermont partnership to target roadblocks to dental care

The Vermont State Dental Society announced a partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy to address dental shortages in Vermont.

Vermont’s preexistent dentist shortage was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news report from WCAX. Since then, the state’s residents — particularly those who are low income and live in rural areas — have experienced delays in acquiring dental appointments, travel-related barriers to care and rising rates of dental decay.

The new partnership is designed to encourage dental professionals to practice in Vermont by completing the last two years of a four-year dental program in the state as well as establish a clinic to treat Medicaid beneficiaries.

In the meantime, underserved dental patients were advised to contact their local district health departments to help connect them with Federally Qualified Health Centers that provide dental care.

Read more: WCAX

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