Making a Difference, One Community at a Time Kimberly S. Whorton, RDH, MDH

Today’s Objectives Specific projects – What we are doing – Process/Academic skills practiced – Benefits – Future Service-learning is a teaching strategy that combines community service with instruction and reflection. Enriches the learning experience, teaches civic responsibility and strengthens communities

Service-Learning/Dental Hygiene Dr. Alfred C. Fones Coined the term “Dental Hygienist” Saw DH as a distinct profession-should be placed in public health as opposed to only in private practice Idea was to be “outreach workers” to bring patients in need of restorative care to private practice

ULM Dental Hygiene Long-standing reputation in excellence (1972) Dental Hygiene students must complete a variety of clinical experiences – Dental Hygiene clinic-Caldwell Hall – Riser Elementary/Middle School – VA Medical Center – Mobile Dental Hygiene Unit (MDHU) – Community service (health fairs, nursing homes, schools)

Process/Academic Skills Curriculum components – Designed to teach students to analyze dental health in the community using public health principles – Students learn how to assess, plan, implement and evaluate community programs (DHYG 4019,4020 Community and Preventive Dentistry)

Academic Skills Oral health status/trends – Healthy People Objectives Target populations Cultural diversity Communication skills Community service Reflection

Academic Skills Students use what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems Builds character Teaches responsibility to the community

Services Provided Oral Exams Prophylaxis/Therapeutic treatments Radiographs Oral Health Education Sealants Fluoride Treatments Nutritional Counseling Necessary referrals

Collaboration/Support West Monroe Civitans City of Monroe Sealant Initiative with the LA Dept of Health and Hospitals Entergy

Policy Statement The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) endorses and supports preschool and school-based or school-linked mobile and portable dental programs that provide comprehensive services or linkage to a dental home. Proponents of mobile and portable dental services should engage health care providers in communities to ensure access to care through a collaborative process and an effective referral system. Mobile-Portable programs should target services to schools with high percentages of children at high risk for dental disease regardless of the child’s insurance status or ability to pay. Mobile and portable programs should also include plans to ensure quality of care and sustainability. Dental services must comply with all federal, state and community guidelines, laws and regulations.

Benefits Jack Hayes Elementary, Monroe LA Morehouse Medical Community Center Morehouse Parish Junior High School School- based health clinic Give Kids a Smile Day-Riser Elementary and Middle School Lake Providence, LA

Uniqueness Although other agencies have mobile units, they do not have the advantage and opportunity to educate students while also serving the community. The MDHU allows the Dental Hygiene program to provide students with an irreplaceable and unique educational setting while providing needed services to the underserved residents in the region.

Future Plans/Options Other Northeast Louisiana parishes Partnering with other civic and community groups The dental hygiene program uses service-learning to its fullest potential. The goals of service-learning are to enrich the learning experience. Students not only learn practical applications of their studies, but they also become active in providing a community service.

Resources Nathe, Christine. Dental Public Health and Research, Contemporary Practice for the Dental Hygienist, 3 rd ed.,