Demand for oral health care—particularly among geographically, economically and culturally isolated groups—has grown rapidly in the United States. In response,federal and state policymakers are seeking innovative ways to expand access to oral health care for underserved populations. At the national level, Congress recommends studies and pilot programs that would assess new types of oral health professionals (such as the Advanced Dental
Hygiene Practitioner, Community Dental Health Coordinator, and Dental Health Aid Therapist). In 2009, Minnesota was the first state to pass a law creating a new type of oral health professional. Minnesota educators who are responsible for the educational preparation of these two new models. Other presenters will discuss state and national activities regarding the development of new, alternative models of oral health care and the challenges they pose for academic dental institutions in their educational preparation.