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Community-based program fuses student education and patient care

CDA Foundation grant supports a strong partnership between CNU College of Dental Medicine and the community
January 29, 2025
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Quick Summary: CNU’s CBDE program fuses professional training with community service. Embedding service, empathy and social responsibility into the training paradigm reflects the mission of the CDA Foundation and the future of dental education.

In the heart of Sacramento, California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine is the state’s newest dental school. Established in 2022, CNU has been molding future leaders in dentistry through a curriculum that balances cutting-edge technology, robust clinical practice and a compassionate approach to patient care.

The school is the second to be awarded a grant by the CDA Foundation to support clinical rotations in health professional shortage areas. The Foundation partners with California’s Office of Oral Health to administer the state’s Community-Based Clinical Education funds that CDA successfully advocated for in 2022. California’s seven dental schools can use these funds to expand their community-based clinical education (CBCE) rotation sites in underserved communities throughout the state. Eligible sites include federally qualified health centers and large private offices.

Integrated community learning

CNU integrates community involvement extensively into every aspect of the the CBCE program curriculum. The program places students in community clinics and underserved areas, giving them firsthand experience addressing diverse dental health challenges.

Students spend eight weeks during their fourth year of dental school treating patients at two different clinic sites. This immersive approach helps students cultivate a profound sense of responsibility and compassion toward various community health disparities.

Five sites are currently hosting CNU fourth-year dental students:

  • WellSpace Health, Oak Park, Sacramento
  • Community Health Centers of America, Sacramento
  • La Clinica de la Raza, Vallejo
  • Sacramento Native American Health Center, Sacramento
  • Peach Tree Health Center, Yuba City

Impact on students

The CBCE program is a forward-thinking initiative that prepares future dental professionals to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse society. By integrating service, empathy and community-mindedness into the training paradigm, CNU develops new generations of dentists who are not only clinically adept but also socially responsible.

“My rotation at WellSpace Community Dental Health was a fantastic experience,” one CNU student shared. “I had the opportunity to complete my first root canal, along with many extractions and fillings. The team was incredibly welcoming and kind, treating me with respect throughout my time there. I would highly recommend this rotation to future students, as it provided invaluable hands-on experience in a supportive environment. I would love to return and continue to serve the community!”

Another student said of their experience, “The community rotations program gave a great learning experience that enriches what students already have learned in clinic at school. My sites offered a different patient demographic compared to those seen at the CNU clinic, and as a result, their concerns and needs were slightly different. I was able to see patients with varying age ranges. The pediatric population helped immensely with my own skills as provider.

“It is a good experience to learn how to work with patients and cater to their needs, especially when establishing a dental home.”

Impact on community health

CNU’s partnerships with local health organizations are conduits for shared knowledge, resources and community engagement, fostering a practice-ready mindset for students by graduation. The program also serves as a critical asset for community health improvement. By extending dental services to underserved populations, the students play a vital role in improving access to dental care.

“It has been a pleasure working with the CNU students during their community rotations,” said one preceptor. “The students consistently demonstrate professionalism and an eagerness to learn. Their presence has not only helped expand access to care for our patients but also fostered a collaborative learning environment that benefits our entire team.”

One preceptor said working with CNU students during community rotations “has been a pleasure.”

“The students consistently demonstrate professionalism and an eagerness to learn,” the preceptor said. “Their presence has not only helped expand access to care for our patients but also fostered a collaborative learning environment that benefits our entire team.” _

The preceptor added that dental students in Yuba City’s community clinics had a “profound positive impact on the community,”

“Patients witness the commitment of dental schools to training professionals with a strong sense of service, a practical understanding of market realities, and a solid foundation in public health principles. This engagement builds trust within the community and inspires students to integrate these values into their future practices.”

The CBCE program embodies more than just academic rigor and clinical skill. It is a cornerstone for community engagement, professional growth and improvement of public health outcomes — exemplifying the mission of the CDA Foundation.

California community clinics interested in future partnerships with dental schools can contact CDA’s senior health policy analyst, Tooka Zokaie, at [email protected]g.

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