Primary Dental Care/Outreach Laredo-IPE. 0 Credit Hours

Catalog description

Rising fourth year dental students participate in a primary care/preventive dentistry elective training program. Together medical, nursing and "promotoras" from Mercy Ministries, collaborate with our faculty and dental students, providing an interdisciplinary approach to our training program. Dental care is provided in a community health clinic with conventional dental equipment and also using portable dental equipment. Dental students participate in a two week rotation and practice in accordance with their level of training and ability. Patients are adults and represent local community and "colonia" residents as well as referrals from a "battered women's shelter". All are from lower socio-economic border areas of Webb County in Laredo, Texas. Dental care is provided under the direct supervision of Dental School faculty. Students that participate become familiar with the oral health needs of various segments of the population and gain invaluable clinical experience and patient management skills.