WEBSTERVILLE, VT (WCAX) – Dental shortage is causing toothaches for Green Mountain residents. The pandemic has exacerbated the shortage of dental professionals in Vermont, and it has only gotten worse in recent years. A new partnership may be able to help.
For many of us, Vermont’s dentist shortage means having to wait for an appointment. For Tina Perrott, it’s even worse. She had healthy teeth until she was diagnosed with diabetes.
“I didn’t even want to be in public anymore because I was ashamed of my teeth,” Perrott said.
Despite her consistent flossing and brushing, Perrott’s teeth were decaying. She said it was painful to eat the foods she needed to control her diabetes. She said she had trouble finding a dentist willing to take patients or provide affordable treatment. She doesn’t qualify for Medicaid and can’t afford dental copays.
“Why should I pay for dental insurance if I can’t even go to the dentist?” she said.
Perrott’s story is all too common. Vermont data shows that residents in rural, low-income and marginalized areas face higher rates of tooth decay and are least likely to get help. Vermont’s shortage of dental professionals makes the situation worse.
“Sometimes the work they need to get done has to be scheduled longer. Sometimes people have to travel farther to get dental care,” said Robin Miller of the Vermont Department of Health.
The Vermont Dental Association may have an out-of-state solution. This fall, they will partner with the University of Detroit to bring dental training to the Green Mountain region and attract dental professionals.
Students will complete two years of dental education at Mercy and then travel to Vermont to complete another two years of a new dental program.
Students will also establish a clinic specifically for Medicaid patients, who are not available to many Vermont dentists. The association’s goal is to serve medically underserved patients and grow the dental profession in Vermont.
“I want them to fall in love with Vermont, want to be with us and grow their careers here,” said Patrick Gallivan of the association.
For Tina Perrault, however, waiting years for care was not an option.
“I don’t want to die because I have rotten teeth and they are treatable. I’m not begging for handouts, I’m asking for help,” Perrault said.
While acknowledging barriers to care, Vermont health officials recommend contacting local district health department offices and checking the state’s list of federally qualified dental care centers.
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