From the 2026 Fall Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
By Jillian Stacey, D.D.S., CDA Editor
I am honored to be writing to you as immediate past president of the CDA as well as your new CDA editor. My life has already changed in many ways since turning over the CDA presidency and it reflects the transformations occurring in dentistry now.
As the demographics and landscape of the dental profession shift in both big and small ways, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of optimism about the future. Something I think about frequently these days is how dental school is becoming inaccessible to so many, which is disheartening.
According to data from the ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI) from June 2026[i], the new federal student loan caps will almost certainly hamper students from many backgrounds from pursuing a dental school education. Relying on private loans can be tricky as well, as interest rates are typically very high and can trap students in debt that will hound them for years. On top of financial struggles, many dental students are also food insecure and rely on food pantries while in school. As stated in an article from the California Dental Association Journal in July 2026, food insecurity among dental students is around 46%![ii]
When dentists from a variety of diverse and underprivileged backgrounds no longer have the means to apply to and attend dental school, it results ultimately in patients being underserved especially in areas where we need providers most, like rural environments and areas that rely heavily on Medicaid funding.1
As the ADA HPI article states, this may result in a “de-diversification among dental students that will stress the safety net.”1 While all of this is deeply concerning, I believe it will force us to explore alternative, unique methods to chip away at access-to-care issues. The dental profession is resilient, and I believe we can collectively address the needs of our students, providers and patients creatively if we work together and remain united.
The ADA and CDA continue to lobby for insurance reform, student loan reform, and public oral health education initiatives that protect and serve us all. Supporting organized dentistry helps us weather the storms we face and bolsters the impact our profession can have.
Another shifting statistic in dentistry involves an increase in migration of U.S. dentists from state to state. ADA HPI data from April 2026 shows that one out of every six early career dentists changed states they were practicing in from 2019 to 2024.[iii] When we are trying to engage our early career dentists and show them the value of organized dentistry, these migration patterns make tracking and retaining them as members very difficult.
In terms of demographic shifts, more recent ADA HPI data from this year discusses trends of dental students and new dentists that we will see the effects of for years to come. In their May 2026 release, the ADA reports that three out of five dental students are women, and it is the eighth consecutive year that women represented the majority of dental students.[iv] Our current and especially future dental workforce will be majority women. As a woman leader in my field who is passionate about continuing to break down barriers and open opportunities for other women, I am encouraged by this demographic shift.
I am also always thankful to be a part of the Colorado and ADA 14th District “brand” of organized dentistry. Our state and district consistently challenge stereotypes by engaging diverse voices and fresh leaders. These efforts enrich our work and results and make our community vibrant and supportive.
As always, thank YOU for being a member and supporting our work that supports all dentists. Through all the new, different, or scary times ahead, the CDA will support our member dentists through highs and lows.
References
[i] Federal Loan Cap May Put Dental School Out of Reach for Some Students: New $50,000 federal borrowing limit could limit access to care, reduce diversity, and reshape the dental workforce. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/dental-education/federal-loan-caps-on-dental-education. Accessed Aug. 27, 2026.
[ii] Nutrition and meal planning guide to reach all dental students. California Dental Association. https://www.cda.org/newsroom/students/nutrition-and-meal-planning-guide-to-reach-all-dental-students/#:~:text=Studies%20published%20as%20recently%20as,the%20toolkit%20for%20wider%20promotion. Accessed Aug. 27, 2026.
[iii] Migration of U.S. Dentists Across State Lines. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/dentist-workforce/dentist-migration-across-state-lines. Accessed Aug.27, 2026.
[iv] Dental Student Demographics Have Changed. And Might Change Even More. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/dental-education/dental-student-demographics-have-changed. Accessed Aug. 27, 2026.
