The purpose of this program is to help states develop and implement innovative programs to address the dental workforce needs of designated dental health professional shortage areas (Dental HPSAs) in a manner appropriate to each state’s individual needs.  The aim is to encourage and support state innovation that will increase oral health services for populations living in Dental HPSAs and to sustain those programs that increase the accessibility and quality of oral health services within Dental HPSAs.

Eligible applicants include only Governor-appointed, state government entities, such as the office of the state’s dental director or a state-run university or dental school.  In addition to the 50 States, eligible applicants include the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.  Private institutions are not eligible to apply for these grant dollars.  States are encouraged to work with tribal entities to facilitate greater consultation and coordination between state and tribal governments.

Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration TVallin@hrsa.gov