Delta Dental
Since 2023, Delta Dental has committed more than $5.6 million to the Future Workforce Fund, investing in organizations that are advancing the oral health workforce through comprehensive solutions and scalable models.
ADEA Bridging Pathways to Oral Health Careers Program inspires and prepares the next generation of oral health professionals through an interactive, hands-on curriculum delivered in partnership with Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) across the country. Through interactive learning experiences, students explore the critical connection between oral health and overall health, gain exposure to a range of oral health professions, and develop a clearer understanding of the academic and career pathways available to them.
The program expands access to oral health career exploration in communities and regions where students may have limited exposure to oral health education and professions, helping to broaden the pathways of future professionals and address evolving oral health workforce needs.
ADEA Bridging Pathways helps reduce barriers to career awareness and preparation by equipping students from a wide range of backgrounds and communities with the knowledge, exposure, and resources needed to envision and pursue educational and career opportunities in oral health.
Hygienist Inspired is a multi-year initiative created in partnership between the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and Delta Dental to expand the dental hygiene profession through chairside recruitment and community outreach. The program leverages the expertise of dental hygienists and the strength of their patient relationships to inspire new career opportunities — particularly within communities currently underrepresented in the profession.
This collaborative effort will strengthen the dental hygiene workforce by encouraging more individuals to pursue the field, while also addressing disparities in representation.
Hygienist Inspired seeks to create a more inclusive future for oral health by opening pathways for talent and ensuring that the profession reflects the communities it serves.
Building Our Leaders in Dentistry (BOLD) is a pre-dental mentorship and career exploration program designed to introduce dentistry as a career option and inspire more students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in oral health.
Engaging Underserved Schools: BOLD partners with schools and educational programs in underserved communities, working with STEM-focused teachers, counselors, and educators to identify and encourage students interested in health-related careers.
Early and Sustained Career Exposure: Outreach presentations, interactive workshops, and hands-on learning experiences introduce students to dentistry and oral health at multiple stages of their educational journey—from Head Start and elementary school through high school and undergraduate education.
Mentorship and Pathway Development: Through meaningful exposure to dental professionals, students gain knowledge, mentorship, and an understanding of the educational pathways and opportunities available to pursue a career in dentistry.
Mentorships in Dentistry (MIND) advances the oral health profession through intentional mentorship and early exposure. The program inspires school-aged and pre-dental students to pursue careers in oral health, while also engaging dental professionals in mentorship and leadership opportunities that reignite their passion for dentistry and service.
The MIND Summit is a one-day immersive experience that introduces middle and high school students to oral health careers through hands-on activities and meaningful connections with dental students and community dentists. The event culminates in a symbolic White Coat Ceremony, encouraging mentees to envision themselves as future oral health professionals.
The Summit is the entry point into the MIND Journey. Students are invited to continue through MIND's Pre-Dental Mentorship Program, receiving mentorship, resources, and educational opportunities as they progress from high school to college, dental school, and the dental profession - with the goal of one day giving back as mentors themselves.
With a ready-to-use toolkit, dental institutions can bring the MIND model to their local communities - expanding access to oral health careers, strengthening pathways for future professionals, and creating lasting impact through mentorship.
Planet Smilez®’s Discovering Dentistry Symposium Community Pathways Initiative, implemented in partnership with Remote Area Medical (RAM) and local community partners, is a community-based oral health workforce pathway program for high school students in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (dHPSAs) and underserved communities.
Grounded in the Social-Ecological Model, DDS CPI combines hands-on clinical simulation, near-peer mentorship, family engagement, and continued career pathway support to strengthen oral health knowledge, career awareness, and pathways into the oral health professions.
Through interactive education and immersive simulation, students explore oral health careers, the roles of dental professionals, the connection between oral and systemic health, and practical next steps toward college and future oral health careers.
