Arizona is experiencing a shortage of dentists — meeting just 34% of its dental health need.1 People who have a disability are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to dental care. Just 56% of adults with disabilities had a dental visit in the past year, compared to 70% of those without disabilities.2 Nearly a third of adults with a disability reported a lack of accommodations at dental offices.3
These gaps underscore the urgent need for dentists who are well-equipped to serve patients with disabilities and complex medical conditions. To help close this gap, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona is collaborating with A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) to establish a fellowship program for five Arizona dentists. The two-year, part-time fellowship combines online learning, research, and hands-on clinical experience in specialized settings. Fellows also serve as ASDOH adjunct faculty, sharing their expertise and helping build a more inclusive dental workforce.
Empowering dentists with comprehensive training
The comprehensive curriculum covers diagnosis, treatment planning, patient management, and ethics. It also addresses conditions such as intellectual disabilities, genetic disorders, physical impairments, and medically complex cases like hospice care and cancer treatment. Fellows earn 150 ADA CERP-approved continuing education hours and a completion certificate, strengthening their ability to provide accessible, high-quality care.
Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of the program. Many dentists have limited exposure to patients with disabilities; one survey found that 75% of dental students reported getting little to no preparation in providing care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.4 By working in specialized clinics under expert guidance, fellows gain confidence and competence in managing unique needs and effectively delivering care.
Supporting better health through access to dental care
The program’s impact extends beyond training individual dentists. Oral health is closely linked to overall health, and untreated dental issues can contribute to conditions such as heart disease and pregnancy complications.5 By improving access and outcomes for adults with disabilities, it supports broader population health goals. Training dentists to meet these challenges helps reduce disparities and improve quality of life for people who have disabilities.
The first dental fellow will begin the program in January 2026, with four more to follow in the next two years, contributing to a pipeline of skilled professionals who are equipped to make a meaningful difference across Arizona. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona is proud to collaborate with ATSU-ASDOH to help build a health system that meets the needs of all Arizonans.
Sources
- Koch, B., Drake, C., Garn, A., & Derksen, D. (2025, April 24). Quantifying Arizona’s dental health workforce shortage using Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) data. Center for Rural Health, University of Arizona.
- CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. (2025, May 13). New report: People with disabilities face major barriers to accessing oral health care. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
- Santoro, M., Heaton, L. J., Preston, R., Sonnek, A., O’Malley, J., & Tranby, E. P. (2025, April). Exploring oral health and care access among adults with disabilities. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
- Penn Dental Medicine. (2022, May). Overcoming oral health barriers for people with disabilities. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Oral health: A window to your overall health. Mayo Clinic.
