NORFOLK, Va. — Long waits aren’t what you want when you’re trying to see the dentist. The issue stems from workforce shortages and it’s seen across the country and here in Hampton Roads.
Now, some in our area are working to spark curiosity in the field.
Wednesday afternoon Virginia high schoolers were looking at teeth, setting up x-rays and learning more about dentistry. It was all part of a camp put on by ODU and Delta Dental — the third annual Dental Health Summer Institute.
Those who put on the camp hoped to help ignite passion for dental health careers during a critical time for the profession.
“Currently in Virginia a lot of people are having to wait six months to a year to even get in to see a dentist. So, it’s really important that we are insuring there is enough of a workforce that people can get in and get their cleanings done and all their preventive treatment,” explained Polly Raible, executive director of Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation.
Source: Dental health institute motivates future dentists, hygienists during workforce shortage / WTKR