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An extramural dental education program in a rural setting in Florida
W B Shreve1, L L Clark, D R McNeal
1Department of Community Dentistry, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville 32610.
Journal of Community Health
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This dental education program provides comprehensive care to underserved rural populations. It enhances student social sensitization and bridges the gap between dental school and practice.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Public Health Dentistry
- Rural Health
Background:
- The University of Florida College of Dentistry implemented a required extramural dental education program in 1977.
- This program is a contractual agreement with the Lafayette-Suwannee Rural Health Corporation, Inc.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a long-standing extramural dental education program.
- To evaluate its impact on dental students and underserved populations.
Main Methods:
- The program involves dental students rotating through a clinic in Mayo, Florida, 65 miles from the dental school.
- It operates on a contractual basis, ensuring comprehensive dental care delivery.
Main Results:
- The program successfully provided high-quality, comprehensive dental care to a previously underserved rural population.
- Dental students gained valuable experiences enhancing social sensitization.
- Students perceived the program as beneficial in transitioning from dental school to practice.
Conclusions:
- The extramural program significantly contributes to the University of Florida College of Dentistry's mission in education, research, and service.
- It serves as a model for delivering dental care to rural, underserved communities.
- The experience is crucial for developing socially responsible and practice-ready dentists.
