MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – In the UP, the need for dental health professionals is critical. This shortage is due to economic and logistical conditions, as well as simply not having enough dentists and dental hygienists. Elise Burr, Director of NMU Center for Rural Health says finding a dentist may become increasingly difficult, especially for lower-income patients. Well,
“Well, the Upper Peninsula right now is in dire need of really expanding oral health services to individuals in need,” said Bur.
This trend has prompted NMU to partner with the Delta Dental Foundation to launch a feasibility study on the viability of adding a degree in dental hygiene to their catalog. Burr says the UP needs dental professionals. However, training usually occurs in urban areas.
“However, right now, in the Midwest, all of the hygiene schools have about a three to five-year waiting list,” said Bur.
It’s too early for specifics, but burr believes this two-year associate’s degree program would be a good fit within the School of Nursing. And although the need is certainly there, the expense may present some problems.
“And so one of the things we need to look at is what’s the difference between the startup costs and the actual sustainability costs,” said Bur
Another issue may be finding the right faculty to teach the program something Burr is optimistic about,
“But that gives me some encouragement to know that there are people that are interested in this area,” said Bur.
The results of the study should be ready to present to the NMU board later this spring.
