In Northcentral Wisconsin, a scarcity of dental hygienists has become a pressing issue, as highlighted by Dr. Jeremy Hoffman of Dental Visions in Wausau. Dr. Hoffman has experienced firsthand the challenges posed by this shortage, including difficulties in managing staffing gaps and the departure of professionals from the workforce.
Recognizing the urgent need to address this shortage, Dr. Hoffman, alongside other members of the Wisconsin Dental Association, welcomed the signing of five bills at Northcentral Technical College aimed at bolstering the availability of dental care providers, particularly in rural areas.
The legislative package, signed by Governor Tony Evers, is poised to have a significant impact on improving access to dental care across the state. Dr. Hoffman emphasized the importance of these measures in addressing critical staffing shortages and filling key positions in dental offices, such as dental assistants and hygienists.
Wisconsin Act 90, a pivotal component of the legislative package, is hailed as a milestone by Dr. Hoffman. This act will allocate funding to enhance the health services scholarship program, with a specific focus on addressing the shortage of rural dental professionals. Notably, the funding will support the state’s only dental school at Marquette University and increase resources for technical colleges like Northcentral Technical College (NTC).
Dr. Hoffman highlighted the significance of the $20 million earmarked for oral health programs at technical colleges, including NTC, underscoring the positive impact this investment will have on addressing local oral health needs.
The enactment of these laws represents a significant victory for individuals in need of dental care and for those who have advocated for improved access to such services. Dr. Hoffman commended the bipartisan collaboration that facilitated the passage of these measures, emphasizing the importance of legislative efforts in promoting the well-being of all residents in the state.