Tennessee pilot program expands dental care access in rural areas

The Finance, Ways, and Means Committee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss key initiatives aimed at improving dental care access in rural and underserved populations. The meeting focused on the ongoing success of the Healthy Smiles initiative, which was established to address barriers to dental care and enhance the professional dental pipeline in Tennessee.

The committee reviewed the progress of a multi-year pilot program initiated by the governor, which has successfully expanded dental education and services across the state. The program has led to increased enrollment in dental schools, with the University of Tennessee (UT) expanding its dental class size from 100 to 130 students and its dental hygienist program from 30 to 45 students. Meharry Medical College also reported a growth in its dental class size from 62 to 75 students.

Key highlights from the meeting included the establishment of clinical rotations in various rural locations, such as Union City and Kingsport, which provide students with hands-on experience while addressing local dental care needs. The initiative has also facilitated partnerships with non-profit clinics and health departments, enhancing service delivery to underserved areas.

The committee discussed the importance of recruitment incentives, including a student loan repayment program that has successfully placed 22 dental graduates in rural communities. Additionally, the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Dental School was recognized for its efforts in expanding access to dental care, having increased its class size from zero to 80 students over three years. LMU has also provided services to over 2,400 patients across 33 counties.

The meeting concluded with a request for continued funding to support these initiatives, emphasizing their positive impact on thousands of Tennesseans and the importance of maintaining momentum in expanding dental services in rural and underserved areas. The committee expressed optimism for the future of the Healthy Smiles initiative and its role in improving dental care accessibility throughout the state.