North Carolina is facing a critical and widespread oral health workforce shortage. 93 of our 100 counties are designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (DHPSAs). This shortage is driving a rise in preventable emergency room visits. While North Carolina has moved up the national rankings of dentists per capita, most of the workforce growth in the state occurred in 5 counties already well-supplied with dentists: Durham, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Pitt, and Wake. North Carolina’s oral health future depends on who enters the dental workforce today.
The Old North State Dental Society (ONSDS) has been working to improve one aspect of this issue: the training pipeline. Formed when African Americans were excluded from organized dentistry and membership in dental societies, ONSDS’s core priority has been the recruitment and mentorship of future dentists. That practical focus continues today. ONSDS focuses on elevating the profession of dentistry in North Carolina and improving the educational pipeline for Black students.
“We know that people who look like the communities they serve are more likely to go back and serve those communities. That’s why the educational pipeline is our primary focus,” said Dr. Elise Newsome, President of the Old North State Dental Society.
One of ONSDS’s programs connects college students with real-world exposure to dentistry. ONSDS runs this as an in-office program by application. They send applications to undergraduate campuses across the state, focusing on HBCUs. Advisors at these schools can direct the program to students.
“A lot of our students simply don’t have the information. What classes they need, about shadowing hours, and about what makes them a competitive candidate. That puts them behind from step one,” said Dr. Newsome.
The program will provide undergraduate students direct opportunities to learn practical skills, such as suturing techniques, digital tools, and fillings. Students will also be able to speak directly with both currently practicing and retired dentists. The program is also designed to give clear information about shadowing, admissions expectations, and how to prepare strong applications, helping them better understand the pathway into dental training programs.
“What we want to establish is one continuum where pre-dental students can access everything they need to become competitive applicants.”
This year, NCOHC’s annual Oral Health Day will be focused on North Carolina’s oral health workforce. By focusing on recruitment and practical guidance for dental students, ONSDS is helping build a steady pipeline of future professionals prepared to serve diverse communities across North Carolina. As we work on strategies to improve access to oral health care throughout the state, NCOHC plans to highlight the good work organizations like ONSDS are doing and build on it to improve the oral health system for all.
Learn more about the Old North State Dental Society at their website
NCOHC, a Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation program, works to advance systems-level changes, improving the overall health and well-being of all North Carolinians by increasing access and equity in care. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to join the network and get involved!