Community-Based Training Programs - DESCRIPTION

The Dental School Mission and Goals (Education, Research, Patient Care, and Service) are consistent with those of the UTHSCSA, with a focus on South Texas. Consequently, the provision of our dental education program includes community-based clinical training at affiliated sites in South Texas primarily which are located in Dental Health Profession Shortage Areas (Dental HPSA map, South Texas Border Regions and Licensed DDS per 100,00 population/Texas).

The Commission on Dental Accreditation states that: "dental school graduates must be competent in managing a diverse patient population and have the interpersonal and communication skills to function successfully in a multicultural work environment." Through the Dental Education Outreach Network (DEON), consisting of affiliated training sites, community-based training is provided under the supervision of dental school faculty/adjunct faculty in a variety of areas: primary care, hospital-based care, oral surgery care, alternative dental care delivery (mobile van/portable equipment) programs, preventive dentistry, special patient care, and school-based programs. These community-based training experiences enhance the students' ability to manage a diverse patient population and function successfully in a multicultural work environment. Currently, the DS has more than 30 affiliation agreements/partnerships with: community & migrant health centers in South Texas, local health departments, other non-profit clinics, hospitals, school districts, and mental health facilities. The DEON affiliated training sites also provide the opportunity for our dental students to interact with varying demographic groups, including Spanish-speaking patients in a variety of settings and locations.