The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is actively addressing one of Ohio’s most critical health care challenges: the significant lack of access to dental services in underserved areas, where the need is overwhelming and urgent.
Through its innovative Commitment to Access Resources and Education (CARE) Program, the college is dedicated to training the next generation of dental professionals who will work to enhance oral health outcomes within communities that face substantial healthcare disparities. By fostering strategic partnerships, providing essential mentoring, and offering significant financial assistance, the CARE Program aims not only to increase the number of dental practitioners in regions grappling with shortages but also to cultivate a new breed of healthcare leaders devoted to serving the public effectively.
The challenge of improving oral health in Ohio, especially in areas lacking adequate services, is indeed formidable. According to data from KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation), Ohio is home to 162 designated dental Health Professional Shortage Areas, a federal classification indicating regions with a drastic shortfall of health practitioners, necessitating the recruitment of approximately 333 additional dentists to adequately fulfill the state’s pressing dental needs. The CARE Program is meticulously designed to tackle this critical gap by equipping dental students with the skills and commitment to return to these underserved communities after graduation and deliver essential dental services.
Starting in their first year, CARE students engage in a public health-focused curriculum that involves monthly extracurricular meetings focused on service, extensive mentorship opportunities, and hands-on community engagement projects that directly address local oral health issues. Participants are particularly committed to practicing in shortage areas, targeting dental practices that accept Medicaid or offer sliding-scale fees based on individual income levels, thereby ensuring access to care for those most in need.
One of the program’s essential elements is its robust financial support system. Each CARE student qualifies for a generous $10,000 scholarship, which is renewable annually for up to four years, greatly alleviating the financial burden of graduate dental education. This scholarship initiative encourages talented candidates to pursue careers in public health and service-oriented dental care without the daunting weight of substantial student debt.
In addition, CARE students gain invaluable professional development experiences. They engage closely with faculty members, collaborate with local dental practitioners in their home communities, and actively participate in impactful service projects. Esteemed guest speakers, including representatives from the Ohio Dental Association, provide practical advice on effectively managing student loans and navigating loan forgiveness programs designed specifically for healthcare professionals working in underserved regions.
Students are also encouraged to collaborate with initiatives such as the Ohio Partnership to Improve Oral Health through Access to Needed Services (OPTIONS) program, which successfully connects Ohio adults who are either uninsured or unable to afford dental care with volunteer dentists offering discounted or free services, thereby addressing the critical gaps in dental care accessibility.
CARE’s mission extends far beyond traditional clinical training. By instilling a profound sense of responsibility toward underserved populations, the program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle broader social determinants of health. This includes devising innovative solutions for diverse challenges faced by vulnerable groups, such as patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities or those requiring compassionate palliative care.
Ultimately, the CARE Program’s goal is to nurture a new generation of dental professionals who possess not only exceptional skills but also a deep, unwavering commitment to public service. By engaging in broader initiatives like the OPTIONS program, CARE students are strategically positioned to emerge as leaders in enhancing oral health care access statewide, driving transformative change for those in need.
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Director of the CARE Program at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. Can you tell us more about the CARE Program and its significance in addressing dental health disparities in Ohio?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. The CARE Program, which stands for Commitment to Access Resources and Education, is an initiative we established to tackle the significant lack of access to dental services in underserved areas of Ohio. With 162 designated dental Health Professional Shortage Areas in our state, the need for qualified dental practitioners is urgent. Our program is focused on training the next generation of dental professionals who are not only skilled but also deeply committed to serving these communities.
**Interviewer:** It’s striking to hear about the shortage of dental professionals. How is the CARE Program structured to help resolve this issue?
**Dr. Thompson:** The program is designed with several key components. Firstly, we offer a public health-focused curriculum that begins in the students’ first year, incorporating both academic learning and practical community engagement. Our students participate in monthly meetings centered on service, extensive mentoring opportunities, and hands-on projects that directly address local oral health issues. Importantly, we emphasize practices in shortage areas and facilities that cater to Medicaid populations or implement sliding-scale fees, ensuring that our care reaches those most in need.
**Interviewer:** Financing education can be a barrier for many students. How does the CARE Program support its participants financially?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely, financial considerations are critical. Each CARE student qualifies for a $10,000 scholarship, which is renewable annually for up to four years. This significantly reduces the financial burden associated with dental education, allowing students to focus on their studies and commitment to public health rather than being overwhelmed by student debt. We believe that removing this financial strain encourages talented individuals to pursue careers in service-oriented dental care.
**Interviewer:** What kinds of professional development experiences do the students receive through the program?
**Dr. Thompson:** Students in the CARE Program gain invaluable experience through various avenues. They work closely with experienced dental professionals in the community, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. This not only enhances their clinical skills but also cultivates a strong sense of leadership and community involvement, transforming them into advocates for oral health within Ohio’s underserved populations.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what impact do you hope the CARE Program will have on Ohio’s dental health landscape in the coming years?
**Dr. Thompson:** Our goal is to significantly increase the number of dental professionals willing to work in underserved areas, addressing the critical shortage identified by KFF. By equipping our students with the necessary skills, support, and commitment to public service, we aim to foster a new generation of healthcare leaders who will positively impact oral health outcomes across Ohio. We hope to not only fill the existing gaps in access to care but also inspire lasting changes in how dental services are delivered in these communities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing these insights about the CARE Program and its vital role in improving dental access in Ohio.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! We are excited about the future and the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
