Workforce Representation and Service in Shortage Areas: Outcomes of a HBCU College of Dentistry, Class 2004-2023

This study examines Howard University College of Dentistry's (HUCD) contributions to dental education, focusing on its role in strengthening workforce representation, expanding access to care in dental health professional shortage areas (DHPSAs) and medically underserved areas (MUAs), and addressing persistent oral health disparities.

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 1473 HUCD graduates from the Classes of 2004-2023, using data verified through publicly available sources. Variables included gender, race/ethnicity, and practice location. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping identified practices within DHPSAs and MUAs, and the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method was used to calculate accessibility scores for census tracts in Washington, DC.

Among 1292 graduates with complete data, 59% were female and 50% identified as African American. On average, 68.4% of graduates practiced in DHPSAs or MUAs, with higher levels of service in communities with larger African American (19.98%) and Hispanic/Latino (20.10%) populations. GIS analysis showed concentrations of HUCD graduates in the Washington, DC, Beltway and Texas. The 2SFCA mapping revealed that Wards 5, 7, and 8, areas with the largest African American populations in Washington, DC, experience the most significant access challenges, and the HUCD's clinic primarily serve patients from these areas.

HUCD has demonstrated success in preparing graduates to provide care in underserved communities, advancing its mission to improve oral health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of continued investment in educational models that strengthen the workforce and expand access to care.