Cultivating the Next Generation of Smile Makers

Taking care of our overall health starts with good dental habits. Our mouth is not only essential for eating, speaking, and smiling, but it also serves as the gateway to our digestive system and internal organs. That’s why visiting your dentist regularly is so important—not just for keeping our smiles bright, but for catching early signs of health issues before they become bigger problems. Routine check-ups can also help prevent costly treatments down the road. 

However, many in Hawaii do not have access to a dentist. In rural neighborhoods across Hawaii, dental offices are fewer and far between. HDS is committed to addressing the need for more dental professionals to ensure future generations have access to quality dental care. HDS is also working to better understand the everyday obstacles that prevent people from visiting the dentist.

Some may have to take off from work and travel long distances for a dental appointment. The inconvenience provides a good reason to avoid seeing a dentist. As a result, some in Hawaii have access to oral health care and others do not.

“HDS is trying to close this gap and ensure more people can have healthy smiles. Our state needs more dentists and dental hygienists in rural areas on the neighbor islands,” said Dr. Diane Paloma, HDS president and CEO. “The key is workforce development. We’re investing in the next generation of dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants to reduce these health disparities in our island home.” 

Dentists volunteer at the HDS Tooth Fairy Fun Day, offering free dental screenings for kids and giving them a hands-on experience of what it’s like to be a dentist. | Photo: HDS

“We start early by giving keiki opportunities to participate in dental screenings with dentists who volunteer at our signature HDS Tooth Fairy Fun Day event. This helps children realize dentists provide care for our teeth and gums,” Dr. Paloma said. “We’re expanding our HDS Tooth Fairy Fun Day into different communities, and plan to hold the event on Maui in June this year.”

The HDS Foundation also provides scholarships for Hawaii residents enrolled in dental hygiene schools in Hawaii and dental schools on the mainland. The HDS Foundation also contributes to the state’s loan repayment programs to help dentists who provide care in underserved communities to pay off their student loans. 

 “We have success stories of students who have returned to the community where they grew up after receiving tuition scholarships,” Dr. Paloma added. “We’re creating the infrastructure for easier access to care and although we have a long way to go, we believe we’re on the right path to provide greater access to healthier smiles for all!”  

HDS President and CEO Dr. Diane Paloma (left) is pictured with students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Dental Hygiene program, who were awarded the HDS Foundation scholarship for dental hygiene students in Hawaii for the 2024-2025 school year. | Photo: HDS