Fulfilling Iowa’s Need for Dentists (FIND) is a new initiative and partnership of Iowa Area Development Group, Ripple Effect, The Institute for Decision Making, Iowa Department of Public Health, the University of Iowa and Delta Dental of Iowa.  Recognizing the possibility of a dental office closure, retirement, or acquisition is half the battle.  Filling those vacancies quickly is the critical task for rural development leaders to accomplish.   

 

Dental industry facts show 55 Iowa counties considered not having adequate dental care coverage.  These “shortages” illustrate the importance for Iowa communities to be proactive toward dental care services as part of an overall healthcare initiative.  

 

On Tuesday, April 28^th IADG and Delta Dental of Iowa will host a F.I.N.D. Conference to introduce the program and its goals and objectives for rural Iowa communities.   The meeting will feature real dental recruitment success stories in Iowa and also offer a community template and preparation tool kit for dealing with dental recruitment efforts in Iowa.   Contact Carol Ramsey at the IADG office to register for the event that will be held at the Delta Dental offices in Ankeny from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.