The Dental Desert in Minneapolis: Time to Train Tomorrow’s Workforce

Minnesota is often celebrated as one of the nation’s healthiest states, thanks to strong public health systems and a high quality of life. Yet beneath that reputation lies a pressing and growing concern: access to dental care. What’s interesting is that Minnesota has the highest salary for Dental Assistants across the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the mean hourly wage being $30.62. Yet across the state – and especially in Minneapolis and surrounding communities – too many residents struggle to find a dentist when they need one.

This shortage is more than a matter of convenience. It is a significant public health challenge. Oral health is closely tied to overall health. Left untreated, tooth decay and gum disease can lead to infections, poor nutrition and even severe long-term health conditions such as chronic disease.

A Widening Gap in Care

Minnesota’s dental shortage is especially pronounced in rural areas and lower-income neighborhoods of the Twin Cities. The dentist-to-population ratio in some communities is alarmingly low, forcing patients to travel hours for appointments – or to wait months just to be seen. For many, that delay means living with pain or waiting until an issue becomes an emergency.

The ripple effects are significant. Seniors on fixed incomes often postpone care until they face costly interventions. Parents of young children struggle to secure preventive visits, which are critical in setting lifelong habits. Low-income families, faced with barriers such as cost, time or transportation, may skip dental visits entirely.

Growing the Workforce: A Public Responsibility

Addressing the shortage begins with training more dental professionals who can serve communities across Minnesota. Colleges and universities play a vital role in expanding that pipeline, preparing students with both the technical expertise and the hands-on experience needed to step directly into patient care.

Herzing’s model strengthens the dental safety net. Families receive preventive and restorative care. Students gain critical skills and build confidence in working with diverse populations. Communities gain a stronger, more prepared workforce ready to step into professional roles upon graduation.

Bridging Education and Access: Herzing’s On-Campus Dental Clinic

In Minneapolis, Herzing’s on-campus dental clinic is a unique asset that not only trains students in a real-world setting but also offers low-cost care to uninsured or underserved patients, directly increasing access to care in the community.

This on-site clinic is especially powerful when combined with flexible learning models. By offering hybrid programs that blend online coursework with in-person lab and clinical training, universities can make education accessible to a wider range of students, including working adults, parents and career changers.

A Shared Responsibility, A Shared Opportunity

Every Minnesotan deserves access to quality dental care, from a child growing up without tooth pain to a senior needing preventive care.

If you’ve ever thought about a career in healthcare, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Herzing–Minneapolis is launching an online Dental Hygiene Bridge Program, enabling licensed dental hygienists with a CODA-accredited associate degree to advance to a bachelor’s degree.