Study Results from Howard University Provide New Insights into Managed Care (Howard University’s Pediatric Dentistry Postdoctoral Program: Advancing Workforce Diversity and Access In Underserved Communities): Managed Care

2026 SEP 10 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News -- Investigators publish new report on Managed Care. According to news reporting originating from Washington, District of Columbia, by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, “This study evaluates Howard University College of Dentistry’s Pediatric Dentistry Postdoctoral Program and its contribution to advancing diversity in the pediatric dental workforce, expanding care in underserved communities, and aligning with institutional goals to reduce oral health disparities.Methods This study conducted a retrospective review of 92 pediatric dentistry graduates from classes 2009-2024. Employment and practice data were manually collected from public platforms and verified via telephone outreach when necessary.”

Financial support for this research came from NIDCR/NIH.

Our news editors obtained a quote from the research from Howard University, “Key variables included demographic characteristics, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) certification status, Medicaid participation, and geographic practice location. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool was used to visualize the distribution of graduates’ practice sites across the United States. In addition, designations of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), including Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs), were identified using data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to assess alignment with workforce needs.Results Among the 92 graduates, 77% identified as African American, highlighting a strong representation of underrepresented minorities. Board certification was confirmed in 67.8% of graduates. Geographic analysis revealed that 43% work in federally designated HPSAs or MUAs. Notably, 87% of graduates’ practices accept Medicaid, underscoring the program’s alignment with its mission to expand access to pediatric oral healthcare in underserved communities.Conclusion The program demonstrates strong outcomes in training board-certified underrepresented minority pediatric dentists who serve underserved populations, reflecting its mission to promote equity in oral healthcare.”

According to the news editors, the research concluded: “Findings suggest that sustained investments in diversity-focused education pathways can yield measurable community-level impact.”

This research has been peer-reviewed.

For more information on this research see: Howard University’s Pediatric Dentistry Postdoctoral Program: Advancing Workforce Diversity and Access In Underserved Communities. Journal of Dental Education, 2026. Journal of Dental Education can be contacted at: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.

The news editors report that additional information may be obtained by contacting LaToya Barham, Howard University, College of Dentistry, Washington, DC 20059, United States. Additional authors for this research include Annie Tran, Indra Mustapha, Marzia Mustamand, Debra Jeffries, Andrea Jackson, Xinbin Gu, Minxuan Lan and Jade Mullings.

The direct object identifier (DOI) for that additional information is: https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.70353. This DOI is a link to an online electronic document that is either free or for purchase, and can be your direct source for a journal article and its citation.

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