The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University |
2006 Facts Fourth-year dental students provided over $1M in dental services (per College fee schedule equivalency) to at risk Ohioans during three quarters of the 2005- 2006 academic year. 102 students are enrolled in the dental program. 11,808 patient encounters provided by students during three quarters of academic year 2005 -2006. 26,882 procedures documented by students in community sites. 50 days spent by senior dental students in community clinical settings throughout Ohio. An average of 190 more patients were seen by each student in the Class of 2006 compared to the number of patients seen in the College clinic. An average of 281 more procedures were performed per student in community sites than in the College clinic under adjunct faculty supervision. Community Partners: Columbus Health Department East Central Family Health Center Coshocton Dental Clinic Nisonger Center Third Street Family Health Services Geriatric Dentistry Program Johnston Road, Nisonger Center Columbus Children’s Hospital Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center McMicken Dental Center Northside Dental Center Clinton Community Dental Services Dental H.O.M.E. Coach Lincoln Heights Health Care Connection Miami Valley Hospital Ross County Family Dental Clinic Dental Center of Northwest Ohio St. Elizabeth Health Center Forum Health Northside Medical Center MetroHealth Medical Center Stark County Health Department Project Contact Information |
Since 1998, the College of Dentistry has worked with the state of Ohio to develop a statewide oral health plan to improve access to oral health services for residents of Ohio. In concert with this statewide plan, the College has transformed its curriculum to meet the goal of 60 days of service learning by senior dental students through its pipeline program known as the OHIO (Oral Health Improvement through Outreach) Project.
Currently, senior students spend 50 to 60 full days providing community-based oral health care at 21 facilities throughout the state of Ohio.
Project Accomplishments include:
- Students currently spend 50 to 60 full days in community sites.
- The OHIO Project has a mandatory two-credit hour course component for all fourth-year students.
- Graduation credit for most procedures is given for activity in community sites.
- The quantity of service has been documented and improved with the inclusion of students in community clinics. The quality of care has been evaluated and documented to be standard or above standard quality through supervision by the adjunct faculty dentists.
- The clinical curriculum has been modified to include community-based clinical experiences in the first and second year. Modification has been made in the didactic curricula to include mandatory cultural competency class and an overview of community dentistry.
- An on-site and community six-week summer program for 11th and 12th grade students seeking a career in dentistry has been developed and successfully implemented for three years.
- An undergraduate summer D.A.T. Prep program has been developed to help underrepresented minority students better prepare for the standardized admissions test.
- A post-baccalaureate program is in place to strengthen a specific candidate’s background and skills in basic biological sciences and perceptual ability.
- Students have a greater perception of need because of the OHIO Project.
- Relationships have been built with safety net clinics throughout Ohio expanding the employment opportunities of new graduates in community dentistry.
