(PO-173) Regional Initiatives in Dental Education 10-year Outcomes and Program Assessment
Sunday, March 20, 2022
1:00pm – 3:00pm EST
Location: Hall C
Author: Anna Forsyth, D.D.S., M.S. – Clinical Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Dentistry Author: Natasha M. Flake, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S.D. – Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Dentistry Author: Frank A. Roberts, D.D.S. Ph.D. – Associate Dean, Regional Affairs and RIDE Submitter: Anna Forsyth, D.D.S., M.S. – Clinical Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Dentistry
The vision of the University of Washington School of Dentistry (UWSOD) RIDE (Regional Initiatives in Dental Education) program is to improve the health of the public in the Northwest region through access to high quality dental care and dental education. RIDE is an extension of the UWSOD mission to lead improvements in the health and well-being of the people of the region through outreach programs and oral healthcare services in minority and other underserved populations.
Objectives: Develop leaders in oral health that serve rural and underserved communities in the Northwest.
Methods: The first 10 years of UW RIDE graduates are described by the following: Location of practice - Rural vs. Urban, Patient demographics, Medicaid proportion of practice, Length of time in rural practice, Leadership roles assumed, Completion of postgraduate residency programs.
Results: The location of dental practice and patient demographics will reflect a greater proportion of RIDE graduates practicing in rural areas with minority and underserved populations. RIDE graduates are serving as leaders in rural communities.
Conclusions: The UW Regional Initiatives in Dental Education is meeting the objectives of improving access to oral healthcare services in rural and underserved populations in the Northwestern United States and providing high quality dental education for future leaders in rural dentistry. There is potential to expand this successful program to other parts of the country and to implement similar programs at other schools of dentistry.
