Alexandria, VA – The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) and American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) have announced the publication of a supplemental issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research (JDR CTR) entitled, “HSRA’s Role in the Academic Oral Health Workforce.” The guest editors are Linda Rasubala, Yanfang Ren, and Thomas Caprio of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, USA.
The demand for general dentists, particularly in non-metropolitan areas, is projected to continue to exceed supply in 2025 and beyond. The shortage will be particularly challenging for underserved and vulnerable populations who already have difficulty accessing dental care. Of particular concern is that general dentists provide most of the dental care needed across the lifespan, as well as care for individuals with complex medical and behavioral needs. As of August 2024, there are more than 6,800 dental Health Professional Shortage Areas across the United States. To address those shortages, approximately 10,000 practitioners would be needed.
The insufficient number dental faculty teaching general dentistry, pediatric dentistry and public health dentistry increases pressure on current university faculty to increase their teaching responsibilities, competing with other faculty development opportunities. The United States’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) strengthens the primary care workforce by supporting the academic career development of faculty. This issue of JDR CTR describes the innovative work done by junior dental faculty supported by HRSA programs, demonstrates the importance of investing in long-term faculty career development, and encourages dental educators and researchers to explore the intersection of primary care, teaching, and research.
“This issue comes at a pivotal moment for the dental profession,” said JDR CTR Editor-in-Chief Jocelyne Feine. “By showcasing the vital work of HRSA-supported faculty, it underscores the urgent need to invest in long-term academic career pathways that will strengthen the oral health workforce and expand access to care.”
About JDR Clinical & Translational Research;
JDR Clinical & Translational Research (JDR CTR) is a peer-reviewed, quarterly journal that encompasses all areas of clinical and translational research in the dental, oral, and craniofacial sciences. Launched by IADR and AADOCR, JDR CTR provides a resource for clinicians, scientists, academics, researchers, and policy makers across the entire spectrum of the dental community. Follow JDR CTR on Twitter (X) @JDRClinTransRes.
About IADR/AADOCR
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide. IADR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. AADOCR is the largest division of IADR. Learn more at www.iadr.org.
