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Kansas does not have dental school. That could soon change


Published on 2024-12-14 18:23:10 - MSN
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  • In Kansas, over 70 counties are considered by the federal government to be a dental desert. It's been a serious issue for decades. WSU's president and the dean of health professions say the problem goes beyond dentistry.

The article discusses the potential establishment of a dental school in Kansas, a state currently without one. The Kansas Dental Association (KDA) has been pushing for this initiative due to a significant shortage of dentists, particularly in rural areas. The lack of a local dental school means that many Kansas students must leave the state for dental education, often not returning to practice there. The proposed solution includes the development of a new dental school, with Wichita State University (WSU) being a favored location due to its existing health sciences programs. The project has garnered support from local leaders and is seen as a way to not only increase the number of dentists but also to ensure they are trained in providing care suited to rural and underserved communities. The initiative also aims to address the broader issue of access to dental care, which impacts overall health, as poor dental health can lead to severe health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/mindandbody/kansas-does-not-have-a-dental-school-how-that-could-soon-change/ar-AA1vQ93b ]
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