Workforce

Access to primary care dentists is not equal for all Kansans. Fewer people living in rural communities, limited access to all types of health care services, an aging dentist workforce and the high costs necessary to run and maintain a viable dental practice combine to produce an oral health care workforce crisis in rural Kansas. The map linked here shows the state’s Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Lead organizations are shown in italics after each objective:
OHK - Oral Health Kansas	KAMU - Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved
KDHE - Kansas Department of Health and Environment	KDP - Kansas Dental Project
KDA - Kansas Dental Association	UMKC SOD - University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
KDHA - Kansas Dental Hygienists’ Association

 

 

Goal

Kansas’ professional dental workforce is adequate to meet the oral health needs of its citizens.  This includes having enough professionals to cover the state’s designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, and care for vulnerable populations in all parts of the state.  This workforce must have adequate access to education in order to meet Kansas’ needs.

OBJECTIVE 1: Legislation will be passed in 2015 to allow Registered Dental Practitioners to practice in Kansas. (KDP, KDHA)

STRATEGIES:
a. Identify champion dentists.

b. Educate policymakers on the safety and benefits of Registered Dental Practitioners and highlight research showing they are cost-effective.

c. Mine data on mid-level providers from other states and countries.

d. Continue to build a coalition of supporters.

e. Implement public awareness campaign about Registered Dental Practitioners’ potential.

f. Inform dentists about benefits to use of Registered Dental Practitioners.

 

OBJECTIVE 2: Innovative models of recruitment and retention to build a stronger workforce are in place. (UMKC School of Dentistry, KDA)

STRATEGIES:
a. Build relationships with pre-dental and dental students to educate them about Kansas practice options.

b. Encourage return to rural/underserved communities (i.e., “Grow Your Own”).

c. Work with current and potential employers on recruitment and retention.

d. Educate and gain commitment of communities and economic development entities on future recruitment and retention of providers.

e. Promote legislation to purchase ten seats at regional dental schools for Kansas students, with the stipulation that the students practice dentistry in Kansas for four years following graduation.

OBJECTIVE 3: The number of dental school slots for underserved and rural areas is increased. (KDHE, KDA)

STRATEGIES:
a. Tie state and other funding sources to rural practice.

b. Mirror the Kansas Medical Student Loan Repayment Program.

 

OBJECTIVE 4: Oral health services are increased in dental deserts or to vulnerable populations through outreach teams and/or virtual dentistry. (KDA, KAMU, KDHA)

STRATEGIES:
a. Research models and assess capacity for teledentistry.

b. Create a model(s) appropriate for Kansas needs.

c. Draft legislation, with engagement of the Dental Board and KDA.

d. Research and advocate for reimbursement methodology.