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MINNEAPOLIS (KFGO/LEARFIELD) – There’s a rural dentist shortage in Minnesota. The University of Minnesota says the shortage demands urgent investment to protect access to care statewide. It’s estimated the state loses about 160 dentists to retirement each year, but only 120 dentists graduate, and not all stay in Minnesota.
More than 200 Minnesota towns and cities are designated dental shortage areas, and the demand is expected to increase to a shortfall of 680 dentists within the next decade if nothing changes.
The university is asking lawmakers for 100-million dollars to expand and modernize its dental school, improve training capacity and take other measures to get more dentists into outstate Minnesota.
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