The American Dental Education Association reports that the number of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students applying to dental school nationally has decreased dramatically in the past decade. Limited access to dental care from AI/AN dentists exacerbates oral health disparities in AI/AN populations. A survey was conducted in 2024 among members of the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID) to identify challenges and protective factors for pursuing a dental career. Information obtained through the survey provided impetus for two programs developed and implemented by SAID to address challenges impacting the number of AI/AN individuals considering and following a path to dentistry.
Learning Objectives:
Have an understanding of the state of oral health among American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Be able to explain the history and mission of the Society of American Indian Dentists.
Be able to list at least three challenges faced by American Indian/Alaska Native students pursuing a career in dentistry.
Describe the strategies and collaborations engaged by the Society of American Indian Dentists to address these challenges.
