Challenges in oral health care access are driven less by an overall shortage of dentists and more by inequitable distribution across the state. While California has a relatively strong supply of dentists, many rural and low-income communities remain designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (DHPSAs).  Key issues include limited provider participation in Medi-Cal due to low reimbursement rates, as well as financial and structural barriers that restrict care for underserved populations. This report emphasizes ongoing workforce diversity gaps; underrepresented racial and ethnic groups remain disproportionately absent in the dental workforce despite serving high-need communities. There is a need for workforce innovations, including expanded roles for dental hygienists and assistants, to improve access and better meet community needs.