DentaQuest Puts $30K into Iowa’s Geriatric Dental Training Program

Event summary

  • DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., contributed $30,000 to the University of Iowa’s Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry Program on January 15, 2026.
  • The funding supports training for dental residents to treat aging and special needs populations, addressing a growing workforce gap.
  • The program has produced 19 graduates, filling faculty positions nationwide.
  • DentaQuest has previously supported similar programs at other universities and non-profits in Iowa.

The big picture

DentaQuest’s contribution aligns with Sun Life U.S.’s mission to expand access to dental care for underserved communities, particularly as the U.S. population of adults aged 65+ grows. The investment in specialized training programs reflects a strategic focus on preventive care and workforce diversification, critical for managing long-term healthcare costs. With Sun Life managing dental benefits for approximately 35 million Americans, this initiative could influence broader industry standards for geriatric and special needs dentistry.

What we're watching

Workforce Expansion
Whether DentaQuest’s investments can sustainably address the shortage of geriatric dental specialists amid the aging U.S. population.
Program Scalability
The pace at which similar programs at other universities will expand, given DentaQuest’s broader support for academic dentistry.
Impact Measurement
How the University of Iowa’s mobile dental units and community-focused training will improve access to care for vulnerable populations.