Shortage of Dental Hygienists Deepens Barriers to Access in Montana
Montana residents, especially in rural areas, face significant challenges accessing dental care due to a shortage of dental hygienists. Despite efforts by Great Falls College to expand its program, the demand for dental care far exceeds the available workforce, leaving many without essential services.
Montana residents, particularly those with low incomes and limited job flexibility, continue to face daunting obstacles in accessing dental care. A 2018 report by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services highlights the scope of the problem, revealing that 23.4% of Montanans earning less than $15,000 annually have not seen a dentist in more than 5 years. Factors such as limited insurance coverage, transportation barriers, and a severe shortage of dental providers exacerbate the issue, especially in rural areas.
The workforce shortage, combined with Montana’s unique geographic challenges, has left many communities underserved and struggling to maintain basic dental health.
Dental hygienists are a critical part of the solution, yet the supply is falling short. While the number of dental hygienists in Montana has grown by 24% in recent years, the demand has grown faster, creating a persistent gap. The state’s only dental hygiene program, based at Great Falls College Montana State University (MSU), has been expanding steadily since it began in 2020 with 18 students. The program now accommodates 35 students, but demand continues to outpace supply. Montana’s hygienist shortage reflects national trends: COVID-19 led to an 8% reduction in the dental hygienist workforce as retirements increased and graduating classes dwindled.
To address these needs, Great Falls College MSU is exploring satellite programs in underserved areas like Bozeman. Click here to read more.
