07 October 2025

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DDS-ASPIRE: A New Generation of Dental Leaders for California’s Underserved Communities

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California lawmakers have approved a $1.8 million grant to UCSF School of Dentistry to support the launch of Doctor of Dental Surgery Advocacy, Science, Public Interest, and Research (DDS-ASPIRE), a new program at UCSF designed to train dental students to serve the state’s underserved populations. The program will integrate leadership and research training for ten students from the Class of 2030 as they progress through all four years of the existing academic and clinical curriculum. 

"Looking at the success of UC PRIME, I saw an opportunity to follow a similar model in dentistry." - Michael Reddy, DMD, DMSc

DDS-ASPIRE was conceived and championed by the dean of the School of Dentistry, Michael Reddy, DMD, DMSc, who lobbied for the program in Sacramento. Inspired by UC Programs in Medical Education (PRIME), the goal of DDS-ASPIRE is to expand California’s dental workforce while addressing persistent oral health disparities. Access to dental care remains limited in lower-income areas, while private practices tend to be concentrated in wealthier neighborhoods. Rural areas in California are particularly affected by the shortage of dentists, with a majority having limited or no local access to dental care. Research shows that dentists from underrepresented backgrounds are more likely to treat Medi-Cal patients and provide culturally informed care. 

Dean Reddy believed the School of Dentistry could help provide a solution to this persistent problem. "Looking at the success of UC PRIME, I saw an opportunity to follow a similar model in dentistry," he said. "We have the tools and the people necessary to move toward a future with fewer barriers to care."  

The DDS-ASPIRE program will begin in the 2026 academic year with ten students selected to participate. In addition to their academic and clinical dental training, students will attend ten leadership seminars led by UCSF alumni, faculty, and public health experts. 

Jack Gormley, EdD, Assistant Dean for Learner Success and Belonging at the School of Dentistry will direct the program with the assistance of Danielle Tiopo, Coordinator of Outreach and Belonging. Gormley explains how the leadership sessions may work. "We have a wealth of alumni, faculty, and friends of the school who can come and share their expertise." He envisions sessions organized around four themes: Leadership, which will include both institutional and personal; community dentistry; dental public health advocacy–including legislative lobbying; and research. 

"From what we know about our candidate pool here at UCSF Dentistry, we have every reason to believe that many of the students who come here will be excited for this new offering." - Jack Gormley, EdD

DDS-ASPIRE is intended to develop both skilled clinicians and informed leaders. Participants will gain the knowledge and experience to advocate for resources, influence public health policy, and conduct research that informs strategies to improve oral health equity. By recruiting students committed to serving under-resourced communities, the program supports the development of professionals prepared to meet the needs of populations that have historically struggled with access to care. 

Gormley is optimistic about the potential for enthusiasm about the program from applicants. "From what we know about our candidate pool here at UCSF Dentistry, we have every reason to believe that many of the students who come here will be excited for this new offering. Our job is to make sure that we can provide a valuable experience while not overburdening them or cutting into their DDS experience in any way. We want them to come away from each session feeling that they know more about these topics that can help them throughout their careers." 

By investing in DDS-ASPIRE, California is taking a significant step toward ensuring that all communities have access to high-quality dental care. Although this initial funding supports only a single cohort, the program establishes a framework for long-term impact. Graduates will be positioned to work in underserved areas across California and to take on leadership roles that strengthen the state’s capacity to address oral health disparities. The 2026 DDS-ASPIRE cohort has the potential to influence a generation of dentists to view oral healthcare as a resource everyone deserves. It is a meaningful step toward building a dental workforce that will improve oral health for all Californians. 

Source: https://dentistry.ucsf.edu/