(NMC) — The Area Health Education Center, housed under Northern Marianas College, announced its participation in the ADEA Bridging Pathways to Oral Health Careers Program, a national initiative led by the American Dental Education Association. The program is supported by Delta Dental through the Delta Dental Future Workforce Fund and aims to increase awareness of oral health careers among students ages 14–18.
As one out of 26 AHEC sites selected nationwide, NMC-AHEC will implement the ADEA Bridging Pathways to Oral Health Careers Program and schedule activities during the summer break to increase access and participation among students. The program engages local high school students through hands-on activities, career exploration, and panel discussions, highlighting the link between oral and overall health while introducing careers and academic pathways in the field.
National expansion
The expanded program builds on a successful inaugural year in 2025, in which more than 1,200 students nationwide participated. In 2026, ADEA will partner with 26 AHEC sites across the country, significantly increasing its reach and strengthening local workforce development efforts tailored to community needs.
Through participation in this initiative, NMC AHEC aims to increase awareness of oral health career opportunities among local youth, strengthen educational and workforce pathways in underserved communities, and support long-term access to oral health care through strategic workforce development.
“ADEA is proud to expand our Bridging Pathways to Oral Health Careers Program and elevate awareness of oral health as a rewarding profession rooted in service to communities,” said Karen P. West, D.M.D., M.P.H., president and CEO of ADEA. “By partnering with AHECs nationwide, ADEA is expanding access to education, exposure, and structured career pathways that help youth envision a future in oral health.”
NMC AHEC works to improve access to healthcare through education, workforce development, and community partnerships. Participation in the Bridging Pathways to Oral Health Careers Program supports ongoing efforts to address regional workforce shortages and expand opportunities for local students.
“We are honored by this opportunity and mindful of its significance for communities like ours,” shares Les Ogumoro-Uludong, AHEC Director. “This support enables us to invest in our youth, strengthen our local workforce pipeline, and advance efforts to address oral health disparities through education and community engagement.”
Addressing a national workforce need
The Bridging Pathways to Oral Health Careers Program comes at a critical time for the oral health workforce. Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas continue to increase nationwide. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, approximately 64 million Americans live in dental shortage areas, with more than 10,000 additional oral health professionals needed to meet current demand.
By engaging students early and within their own communities, ADEA and AHECs are advancing sustainable, community-centered workforce strategies that increase access to care and strengthen the future oral health workforce.
About NMC-AHEC
NMC Area Health Education Center is dedicated to improving healthcare access by increasing the number and enhancing the diversity of healthcare professionals. It operates as a collaborative initiative between the University of Hawaii and Northern Marianas College, and provides training programs and resources tailored to the needs of future healthcare professionals. For more information, visit www.marianas.edu/ahec or email [email protected].
About ADEA
The American Dental Education Association is “The Voice of Dental Education.” Its mission is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals. ADEA represents dental schools, allied and advanced dental education programs, corporations and individual members across North America. For more information, visit adea.org/.
About the Delta Dental Institute
The Delta Dental Institute advances oral health for all Americans through research, community outreach and advocacy efforts supporting access to care and oral health education nationwide.
About Delta Dental Plans Association
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of 39 independent Delta Dental companies and the nation’s largest dental benefits provider.
