The Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) at the University of Rochester has secured a $2.1 million federal grant aimed at boosting access to dental care in underserved areas.
The funding, awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will support the creation of a new training model that prepares dental professionals to treat patients with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities.
Over the next five years, the grant will fund the launch of the Excellence in Clinical Education and Leadership for Specialty Dental Care (EXCEL) program. This initiative will focus on building a more skilled and diverse dental workforce by placing dentists in high-need communities and expanding their ability to deliver specialized care.
Key components of the EXCEL program include a two-year dual-degree combining a Master of Public Health and a dental public health residency, a fellowship in general dentistry specialty care, and the development of a new oral health research center.
“EXCEL directly addresses urgent workforce shortages by preparing dentists to work in community-based organizations and areas with the greatest need,” said Dr. Sangeeta Gajendra, professor at EIOH and director of the EXCEL project. “In the long run, this program will improve the health and quality of life for thousands of children and adults who have historically been underserved.”
EIOH is the region’s largest safety-net dental provider, delivering over 190,000 patient visits each year. Roughly 65 percent of those visits are covered by Medicaid.
