Understanding the Challenges and Motivations for Dentists to Practice in Rural Vermont: A Study on Recruitment and Retention in Windham County
Batch, Kartheek Chivers, Alison Dees, Aaron Donovan, Kiersten Mullen, Matthew Obando, Estefania Sabharwal, Harjas Hammond, Marty Taylor-Olsen, Carolyn
Batch, Kartheek
Chivers, Alison
Dees, Aaron
Donovan, Kiersten
Mullen, Matthew
Obando, Estefania
Sabharwal, Harjas
Hammond, Marty
Taylor-Olsen, Carolyn
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Abstract
Background: Rural populations often experience limited access to healthcare due to a shortage of providers, financial constraints, and logistical barriers. Windham County in Southeast Vermont exemplifies these challenges, with only 50 dentists per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 60 per 100,000. The objective of this project is to identify the barriers to recruiting and retaining dentists in rural Vermont, focusing on understanding what factors motivate dentists to practice in underserved areas and what obstacles discourage them. Methods: This study incorporated a literature review, interviews with rural dentists in Windham County, and surveys of dental residents at the University of Vermont. Interviews identified challenges such as geographic isolation, financial pressures, staffing shortages, and integration difficulties within rural communities. Survey responses provided additional insights into perceptions of rural practice, highlighting both barriers and motivators for recruiting and retaining dentists in underserved areas. Results: Key barriers to rural dental practice included the high cost of dental education, low Medicaid reimbursement rates, and limited professional support networks. However, several dentists cited a strong sense of community and personal fulfillment from serving a close-knit population as positive factors that improve retention. Conclusion: Analysis of the survey responses suggests that targeted financial incentives, community integration efforts, and support networks may help attract more dental professionals to Windham County and similar rural areas.
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2025-01-29