The State of Montana is projecting an increasing shortfall of dentists, but it is not economically feasible to establish a dental school there. The Montana Dental Association is partnering with the University of Washington School of Dentistry to explore a partnership that would train about eight residents of Montana each year in a program where the first and fourth years of dental school would be in state and the two middle years in Seattle. Because part of the training would be in rural and other underserved communities, it is hoped that these young practitioners will help address growing access issues.