National Health Service Corps May Help Reduce Caries Prevalence in Underserved Areas

According to research conducted at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, growing the dental workforce through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) could significantly impact the high rates of caries experienced in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Funded by the federal government, the NHSC provides grants and loan opportunities to health professionals—including oral healthcare providers—who commit to working in underserved areas once their education is complete. The analysis, which was funded by Delta Dental and published in JAMA Health Forum, determined that the addition of more dental providers in HPSAs could reduce the burden of tooth decay while also improving oral health equity. Click here to read more.