Thursday, December 03, 2009

Dental assisting program to provide care to underserved population

Photo Credit: HI-RES | WEB RELATED VIDEO:  RELATED AUDIO:  Contact for more information: Betty Vawter Senior Editor, News & Information Services 812/480-1873 email Students in the dental assisting program at the University of Southern Indiana will provide oral health care to individuals in the medically and dentally underserved population with the assistance of a grant from the Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (SWI-AHEC). Kimberly G. Bastin, director of the dental assisting program in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, said faculty and students will serve clients referred from the Vanderburgh County Community Dental Clinic and other social service organizations in the Tri-state area beginning in January. The USI program will provide the following services: radiographs, oral cancer screenings, temporary and permanent fillings, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions. The goal is to provide oral healthcare treatment for approximately 100 patients. Students also will provide oral-health education. Bastin said the project will provide a service and clinical learning experience for students. It also will allow for better utilization of the dental assisting clinic in the Health Professions Center. The grant from SWI-AHEC provides $7,100 support the public health project. The mission of the Indiana AHEC Program is to enhance access to quality healthcare for medically underserved populations. The goal is to improve the distribution and diversity of healthcare professionals and improve healthcare quality through community/academic educational partnerships.

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