Maryland

Maryland hopes to recruit young dentists to workforce shortage areas – Maryland Matters

Published

6 months ago

May 30, 2024

Maryland hopes to recruit young dentists to workforce shortage areas – Maryland Matters

Maryland has about 70 dentists per 100,000 residents, according data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020, but that doesn’t mean that they are equally distributed across the state.

State health officials and dental health advocates say that Baltimore and parts of the Eastern Shore and Western Maryland not only lack dentists, but have other barriers that make it difficult for residents to keep up with their oral health.

The Maryland Department of Health aims to change that with a new program urging dental students to launch their careers in areas with dental health care shortages.

The Pathways to Bright Futures program, which launched Wednesday, will educate those students about the dentistry profession in hopes of easing shortage in targeted areas.

Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, the health department’s deputy secretary for public health services said Wednesday that fixing the workforce shortage “won’t be easy and is not going to happen overnight,” but improving access to dental services will help improve overall health equity in Maryland.

“When I think about our vision for health equity in Maryland, I see everyone in our state having a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. It’s going to take hard work … to ensure that health equity includes healthy mouths, teeth and gums for all Marylanders,” he said.

Dr. Debony Hughes, director of the department’s Office of Oral Health, said that many areas in Western Maryland, the Eastern Shore and Baltimore have fewer than 20 dentists per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 61 dentists per 100,000 residents.

“This program is a collaborative effort to work with students and foster their interests in the oral health field and provide support to those who know they want to practice in the profession,” Hughes said Wednesday during the program kickoff at the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore

Pathways to Bright Futures is funded by a grant to the state from the federal Health Resources and Service Administration. At Wednesday’s event, six dental health students were awarded funds to help pay their dental school tuition.Each of the students plan to practice dentistry in one of the state’s dental shortage areas.

“Cavities in children and adults, and gum disease especially in adults, are among the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States,” Kalyanaraman said. “The main reason why oral disease is so prevalent is that far too many Marylanders experience barriers to preventative and essential dental care.”

He noted that when Maryland dentists set up their practice, they tend to gather in “more populated and higher income areas, creating significant gaps in access to dental care across other regions of the state.”

“This shortage creates an uneven distribution of dental professionals across the state, which leads to decreased access to dental care, especially in already underserved communities,” Kalyanaraman said.

Dr. George Shepley, a general dentist in Baltimore since 1978 who previously served as president of the American Dental Association, said dental care can help identify other health needs.

“They’re connected. Totally. Especially with things like diabetes and cardiac disease,” Shepley said Wednesday. “And in the world of dentistry, you’ll get insight into well-being overall. You’ll help diagnose other conditions and empower people to really take responsibility for their lives.”

Mary Backley, CEO of the Maryland Dental Action Coalition, said there are a multitude of logistical and economic barriers that can make it challenging for some Marylanders to get to a dental appointment.

Besides a lack of equal access to the state’s 4,300 registered dentists, another issue in dentist shortage areas is transportation, particularly for the more rural communities in Western Maryland and on the Eastern Shore.

“The biggest barriers, rural-wise, is the distance … It can take miles and miles and miles to get to a provider,” Backley said after Wednesday’s event.

Baltimore residents are more likely to be face a long waitlist to get a dental appointment, according to Backley. And both rural and city residents may struggle to afford child care or take time off work to go to the dentist in the first place.

There are also financial hurdles that make it harder for families to afford a trip to the dentist.

As of January 2023, Medicaid in Maryland began to cover certain dental services for adults. And the General Assembly this year passed legislation to study the feasibility of including full and partial dentures under Medicaid coverage. Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed the bill in May.

The state Medicaid expansions can help many low-income families receive dental health care, so long as they have access to a provider that accepts Medicaid. Not all dentists in Maryland do.

Backley hopes that the Pathways to Bright Futures program will encourage more young people to look to dentistry as a career path and help fill in some of the coverage gaps in the state.

On the bright side, Backley said that residents and Maryland health officials are taking dental health care seriously.

“It’s been incremental, but each year there has been progress,” she said. “People understand the importance of oral health. And the importance of oral health to overall health.”

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Maryland

Iowa at Maryland Best Bet: Odds, Predictions, Recent Stats, and Trends for November 23rd

Published

47 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Iowa at Maryland Best Bet: Odds, Predictions, Recent Stats, and Trends for November 23rd

Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) vs. Maryland Terrapins (4-6, 1-6 Big Ten) Preview:

The 6-4 Iowa Hawkeyes travel to College Park, Maryland, to take on the 4-6 Terrapins.

Some may think Iowa’s six wins at this point of the season is bad. However, the Hawkeyes should not be discouraged. This was a season in which they had to replace key members on the defense and implement an entirely new offensive system.

They have had some bright moments, including their road win in Minnesota and a thumping of Washington, Wisconsin, and Northwestern.

They will also be looking to bounce back from their road loss to UCLA prior to last week’s bye.

With their success, there must be some discussion about Kaleb Johnson. The junior running back has moved higher on draft boards with great play this season. The Ohio native has rushed for 1,328 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 1,328 yards lead the Big Ten, and the closest player to him is still nearly 300 yards away.

The season for Maryland was always going to be a challenge replacing the production of Taulia Tagovailoa. Billy Edwards Jr has been good in his stead. He’s thrown for 2,855 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The issue for Maryland this season has been on the defensive side of the ball. They will need to sure up their defense if they wish to pick up their second Big Ten win of the season.

Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insights weekdays at 6 AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Game Details & How to Watch Iowa vs. Maryland:

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM EST
Site: Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium (Byrd Stadium)
City: College Park, MD
TV/Streaming: Big Ten Network

Game Odds for Iowa at Maryland via BetMGM:

Moneyline: Iowa (-230), Maryland (+195)
Spread: Iowa -6.5
Total Over/Under: 45.5

BetMGM College Football Insights: Odds to make Playoffs

Line movement (Open to Now)

Indiana +15000 to -500
Tennessee +180 to -135
Colorado +2000 to -120

Betting Insights and Predictions
NBC Sports Bet’s Brad Thomas is leaning towards Over 45.5 points…

Thomas: “Auto betting the under on Iowa is a thing of the past. They are scoring more this season, and their defense is noticeably worse. It’s likely hard to believe, but Iowa is 8-2 to the over this season. Maryland is 7-3. These teams both give up too many points. The over will consistently be in play.

Names to Know for Iowa vs. Maryland:

Iowa Hawkeyes: RB Kaleb Johnson—Johnson, one of the top running backs in this upcoming NFL Draft, has been the offense for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He has a Big Ten-leading 1,328 yards. Johnson averages 7.1 yards per carry and has found the endzone 21 times.
Maryland Terrapins: QB Billy Edwards Jr. – Edwards Jr. has thrown for 2,885 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest player news from the NFL and MLB. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Betting Trends & Insights Ahead of Iowa at Maryland:

Iowa is 8-2 to the OVER this season
Maryland is 7-3 to the OVER this season
Maryland has covered in its last 3 games as a home underdog
Iowa has lost 4 of its last 5 on the road

For more betting analysis and insights, follow our experts on social media:

– Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

– Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Maryland

November 21 Colder Winds Bring Snow To Central Maryland And Winter Storm Warning In The Mountains – Just In Weather

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

November 21 Colder Winds Bring Snow To Central Maryland And Winter Storm Warning In The Mountains – Just In Weather

November 21, 2024

Thursday Morning Report

The squall line last night validated and even overachieved expectations. Winds gusted over 50 mph in many areas AND much needed rainfall added up to 0.94” in Baltimore through midnight. More was added afterward.

Colder air and a large upper-level trough will settle in Pennsylvania on Friday. This will bring in a taste of winter. The expectations for snow have now expanded to Central Maryland, and yes, it might be cold enough for some stickage on grassy areas.

A Winter Storm Warning is in place for the high mountains of far Western Maryland and West Virginia. Snow is still expected to reach 1-foot accumulation along with 50 mph winds.

Let’s take a look……

Morning Surface Weather

Storm 1, which brought us rain and wind, is moving away and sending much-needed rain to the drought areas of Metro New York and New England.

Storm 2 is the main event that will pivot from the Great Lakes and nearly stall in Pennsylvania on Friday. This will include a strong upper-level source of cold air and instability. Snow will spread our way and enhance over the Appalachian mountains.

Weather Preview

Storm Animation Today through Saturday Night

Watch the main storm spin in PA and pivot the next wave of energy that will enhance the snow on Friday, then pull away this weekend.

November 21 weather snow rain storm

Jet Stream Friday Morning

The core of the cold air will be over our region. There is a trough swinging through the Southeast US with enough enhanced energy to develop snow.

November 21 weather jet stream cold Friday

Snow and Rain Mix Friday

Notice the blue shading (snow) into metro Baltimore. A closer look is below.

TODAY

Wind Forecast 7 AM to 7 PM

November 21 weather wind forecast Thursday

Wind Gusts at Noon

The stronger winds will be moving east, so it will be less windy this afternoon.

November 21 weather wind forecast Thursday noon

Radar Simulation: Noon to Midnight

There will be some showers with rain and maybe flakes after dark.

Heavy snow will get going in the mountains.

November 21 weather rain snow radar Thursday

Afternoon Temperatures

November 21 weather temperatures Thursday afternoon

Radar Simulation Tonight

7 PM Wed to 7 AM Thu

CLIMATE DATA: Baltimore

TODAY November 21

Sunrise at 6:57 AM

Sunset at 4:48 PM

Normal Low in Baltimore: 35ºF

Record 16ºF in 1951

Normal High in Baltimore: 55ºF

Record 79ºF 1900

Baltimore Drought Update

0.94” of rain fell Thursday… The updated deficit:
6.66 inches BELOW AVERAGE rainfall since September 1st
7.12 inches BELOW AVERAGE rainfall since January 1st
THE BURN BAN REMAINS IN PLACE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22

Turning colder with developing snow from the North, and it will reach the northern suburbs during the morning.

Snow will mix with rain near and south of Baltimore.

Heavy snow will be raging in the mountains.

Morning Temperatures

November 21 weather temperatures Friday morning

Morning Radar Simulation

November 21 weather snow radar Friday morning

Radar Forecast 7 AM to Midnight

November 21 weather snow radar Friday

Winds At Noon

November 21 weather wind forecast Friday noon

Afternoon Radar

November 21 weather snow radar Friday afternoon

Afternoon Temperatures

November 21 weather temperatures Friday afternoon

WINTER STORM WARNING

This includes Garrett County, MD, and the high mountains of PA and WV.

Snow 6 to 12+ inches with wind gusts to 50 mph.

Note this is over the extreme drought region and is much needed.

November 21 Winter Storm Warning Snow

Snow Roads Profile

November 21 snow forecast Maryland road profile

Snow Forecast Models

There is a lot of agreement between the GFS and ECMWF.

Yes, I see a dusting or more on the grassy areas north of Baltimore.

GFS

November 21 weather snow forecast GFS

ECMWF

November 21 weather snow forecast ECMWF

NAM 3Km

November 21 weather snow forecast NAM

In Case You Missed It

My Winter Outlook Report

Winter 2024 to 2025 Snow Forecast Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia Delaware

7 Day Forecast

Colder air will continue to spill in through Saturday.
Some rain showers later today with a mix of flakes.
Heavy snow develops in the mountains.
Snow and mixed showers will expand into Central Maryland on Friday.
Briefly mild early next week. Then, rain on Wednesday may set up a colder Thanksgiving storm.

November 21 weather forecast 7 day Friday

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SCHEDULE A WEATHER BASED STEM ASSEMBLY

Severe Weather: Storm Smart October and next spring

Winter Weather FITF (Faith in the Flakes): November To March

Click to see more and send a request for your school.

School Weather Assemblies Storm Smart FITF

THANK YOU:

Baltimore Magazine Readers Choice Best Of Baltimore

Maryland Trek 11 Day 7 Completed Sat August 10

We raised OVER $104,000 for Just In Power Kids – AND Still Collecting More

The annual event: Hiking and biking 329 miles in 7 days between The Summit of Wisp to Ocean City.

Each day, we honor a kid and their family’s cancer journey.

Fundraising is for Just In Power Kids: Funding Free Holistic Programs. I never have and never will take a penny. It is all for our nonprofit to operate.

Click here or the image to donate:

RESTATING MY MESSAGE ABOUT DYSLEXIA

I am aware there are some spelling and grammar typos and occasional other glitches. I take responsibility for my mistakes and even the computer glitches I may miss. I have made a few public statements over the years, but if you are new here, you may have missed it: I have dyslexia and found out during my second year at Cornell University. It didn’t stop me from getting my meteorology degree and being the first to get the AMS CBM in the Baltimore/Washington region.

One of my professors told me that I had made it that far without knowing and to not let it be a crutch going forward. That was Mark Wysocki, and he was absolutely correct! I do miss my mistakes in my own proofreading. The autocorrect spell check on my computer sometimes does an injustice to make it worse. I also can make mistakes in forecasting. No one is perfect at predicting the future. All of the maps and information are accurate. The ‘wordy’ stuff can get sticky.

There has been no editor who can check my work while writing and to have it ready to send out in a newsworthy timeline. Barbara Werner is a member of the web team that helps me maintain this site. She has taken it upon herself to edit typos when she is available. That could be AFTER you read this. I accept this and perhaps proves what you read is really from me… It’s part of my charm. #FITF

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