The University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry's second-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and International Dental Studies (IDS) students combined to provide complete denture prosthodontic services for a group of underserved individuals on November 30 as part of its annual Fall Denture Block.
Thirty preidentified individuals received dentures at no cost to them as part of the event.
Launched in 2010 as a collaboration between the dental school and San Francisco's Project Homeless Connect, Denture Block initially aimed to counter the lost treatment opportunities for dental students and dependent patients resulting from the elimination of many adult benefits through Denti-Cal, California's Medicaid dental program, according to the school.
Since then, the program has expanded to include an underserved population of patients who are missing their natural dentition and cannot afford dentures. Patients are now referred to the program from numerous Bay Area social service agencies and religious groups and by word of mouth.
Patients participating in the Denture Block program receive an oral clinical screening examination and panoramic radiograph, and attend an orientation group session to prepare them for active participation in the program. The complete Denture Block experience includes five consecutive Friday morning and afternoon appointments involving groups of five students and one adjunct volunteer faculty mentor for each appointment. Program faculty include Bay Area prosthodontists and department staff from preclinical courses.
The Denture Block is funded in part through private donors, corporate support, and interest from an endowment. The Dugoni school contributes support staff, supplies, and other clinic resources.
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