A new initiative from the University of Pittsburgh will train future dental professionals in rural Pennsylvania, where a shrinking and aging workforce has left many residents without access to care.

“Our state is really in a crisis when it comes to oral health in these areas, and also the oral health workforce that’s available in these areas,” Kelly Wagner, Pitt’s assistant dean for clinical administration and quality care, told Spotlight PA. “It’s a twofold problem. Our people that have the greatest oral health care needs also face the greatest issue with access to care.”

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