Dental care is essential to overall health, yet many clinics across Minnesota face a critical shortage of dental professionals. HealthFinders Collaborative is working to change that by providing hands-on training to the next generation of dental professionals while serving communities that need it most.
Since 2016, HealthFinders has partnered with Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU) to offer dental students real-world clinical experience. This year, the program has expanded significantly, welcoming students from the University of Minnesota (U of M) for the first time. With 12 U of M students and 21 from MSU, this is HealthFinders' largest group yet –strengthening its role as a training hub for future dental professionals. The students are trained in oral education, preventative and restorative care, extractions, and more.
The HFC dental clinic has treated 5,000 patients since it began in 2014. This year, we’re expanding to welcome 3,000 patients. It takes about $1 million a year to provide dental care to community members who likely wouldn’t be able to see a dentist otherwise.
A Transformative Learning Experience
HealthFinders Dental Coordinator and Hygienist Fausto Rodela-Rodriguez emphasizes the impact of the program:
“This program allows students to experience community dental clinics where they otherwise may not ever get a chance to. It helps create new perspectives to dental care along with its benefits and challenges. I think it is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow, all while helping patients attain better oral health.”
For the University of Minnesota, this collaboration is equally significant. Dr. Angela Hastings, DMD, Clinical Professor at the U of M, underscores the importance of this partnership:
"Our program is fortunate to partner with HealthFinders Collaborative by way of a generous grant from the Minnesota Department of Health to expand our dental student clinical rotations into rural and underserved communities. This new partnership provides an opportunity for our students to gain a deeper understanding of non-profit dental clinic operations, to experience medical-dental integration with the co-located medical clinic, to engage with community social workers and school-based mobile clinics, and ultimately to increase access to much-needed dental services."
Beyond Clinical Training: A Cultural and Social Experience
At HealthFinders, the learning experience extends far beyond technical skills. Associate Director Daisey Sanchez highlights the clinic’s role in shaping well-rounded dental professionals:
“At HealthFinders, we don’t just build programs we build futures. Our dental program goes beyond clinical training, offering students a rich cultural and social experience that enhances their understanding of patient care in diverse communities. We aim to complement university training programs by providing a unique, immersive setting where students gain invaluable insights into the intersection of dentistry, culture, and community health.”
Investing in the Future of Dental Health
HealthFinders is committed to becoming a premier training hub and a strong university partner, ensuring that future dental professionals are not only well-trained but also deeply connected to the communities they serve. This initiative is a vital step in addressing workforce shortages while improving access to quality dental care for underserved populations.
To learn more about the dental program, or to donate time or money, visit https://www.healthfindersmn.org/dental
Comentários