Part of Broader $1 Million Effort Addressing Dental Workforce Shortages in Missouri
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Sept. 22, 2026) … More than 1.7 million Missourians live in federally designated dental professional shortage areas, among the highest levels in the nation. 1 To help address this challenge, Delta Dental of Missouri is partnering with A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health and Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education through its new Partnering for Access to Care and Training (PACT) pilot program. The initiative will expand access to dental care for underserved patients while helping educate the next generation of oral health professionals.
Delta Dental of Missouri awarded $25,000 grants to each participating dental school to support student-delivered care and help offset unreimbursed services for uninsured and underinsured patients. PACT also provides students with opportunities to connect with industry leaders through lunch-and-learn sessions, clinical showcases and discussions focused on patient outcomes and career pathways into community-based care.
“The dental workforce shortage continues to create barriers to care for families statewide,” said Stacy Harris, executive director of community impact for Delta Dental of Missouri. “Through the PACT program, we’re helping more patients receive essential dental services while giving future dentists valuable hands-on experience serving those with the greatest oral health needs. It’s an investment in both immediate access to care and the long-term strength of Missouri’s oral health workforce.”
In addition to the St. Louis-based schools, Delta Dental of Missouri’s pilot program includes partnerships with University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine.
PACT is part of Delta Dental of Missouri’s broader investment in Missouri’s oral health workforce. Since 2023, the organization has invested more than $1 million to support future oral health professionals and improve access to care across the state.
About Delta Dental of Missouri
Delta Dental of Missouri is a nonprofit dental and vision benefits provider serving 2.1 million members statewide. Through affordable group and individual plans, the company is committed to improving oral and overall health while delivering simpler, better experiences for members, providers, brokers, and employer groups. As part of its nonprofit mission, Delta Dental invests in oral health initiatives, educational programs, and charitable causes that expand access to care and strengthen the communities it serves. Learn more at DeltaDentalMO.com.
