Nearly half of New Mexico’s population lives in areas identified as having a critical shortage of dental providers. Nisali Piyasena, a native of New Mexico and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) candidate at the CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine, is working to address this gap by fostering mentorship and outreach programs for pre-dental students.
Piyasena, a 2027 DDS candidate and University of New Mexico (UNM) graduate, presented her initiative at CU Anschutz’s Research Day, earning top honors in the DDS and Advanced Standing International Student Program poster competition. Her research emphasizes the need to inspire and support future dentists from her home state.
Understanding the Shortage
State reports indicate that nearly 900,000 New Mexico residents live in areas with limited access to dental care. “There is an average of one dentist for every 3,000 people in New Mexico,” Piyasena explained. “The national average is closer to one for every 1,000. I saw the impacts firsthand growing up and going through the pre-dental process, and I wanted to raise awareness about dentistry as a career path for younger students in New Mexico.”
Barriers to Expanding the Dental Workforce
Piyasena’s research highlights mentorship and resources as the primary barriers to increasing the number of dentists in the state. Many pre-dental students rely on peer guidance rather than experienced mentors. Limited access to shadowing opportunities further complicates their path, particularly in rural areas where dentists are scarce.
“Even though UNM has a residency program, residents are often busy, making it difficult for students to access mentorship,” Piyasena said. “There is a real need to provide resources and structured pathways that connect students with practicing professionals.”
Rural Rotations and Hands-On Experience
CU Anschutz offers programs such as the Advanced Clinical Training and Service (ACTS) Program and the Rural Oral Health Track, which place dental students in rural clinics for hands-on experience. Piyasena believes these rotations are crucial for preparing students to work in underserved areas like those in New Mexico.
Steps Toward Expanding Dental Education
Efforts are underway to increase dental education opportunities in New Mexico. Touro College of Dental Medicine recently opened a clinical facility in Albuquerque, allowing students to complete clinical training in the state after completing two years of coursework in New York. Universities are also exploring strategies to increase primary care availability and retain dentists within New Mexico.
Building the Next Generation of Dentists
Through her project, Piyasena has seen the potential of outreach programs to inspire students. One memorable moment came during a visit to an elementary school, where several students expressed interest in pursuing dentistry. “Even if just one of them pursues this path, that’s a start,” she said. “Small efforts can help grow the dental workforce in New Mexico over time.”
A Personal Commitment to Change
Piyasena plans to return to New Mexico after graduation, exploring opportunities in rural areas or public health programs such as Indian Health Services. She hopes to combine clinical practice with academia, advocating for structural changes that encourage more dentists to practice in the state.
Her research underscores that mentorship, hands-on experience, and targeted pathway programs are essential to addressing the dentist shortage in New Mexico—a critical step toward improving oral health across the state.
Tags: dental care