In rural Minnesota communities, 25% of dentists are over 65 years old compared to 15% in urban areas, creating concerns around replacing an aging rural dentistry workforce.
With its mission to educate and train Minnesota’s healthcare workforce, the University of Minnesota aims to help solve this challenge through the new Rural Dentistry Career Track in the School of Dentistry. The University, as Minnesota’s healthcare leader, is well-positioned to address this concern as it educates 73% of dentists in Minnesota.
Bridging the rural dental gap
Launched in summer 2025, the first cohort of the Rural Dentistry Career Track—similar to a minor allowing them to customize their professional development—includes 15 students. It’s one of four tracks aimed at increasing student readiness for careers in dentistry.
Part of the track’s approach is to prepare them for unique challenges in rural communities. If a student didn’t grow up in a rural area, they may feel like an outsider, so it’s important to engage within the community through professional and social networks to build trust with residents.
Source: Bringing brighter smiles to rural communities / University of Minnesota