University of Kentucky College of Dentistry students made a measurable impact in Greenup County this fall through a series of school-based outreach visits that delivered preventive and, later, restorative dental services.
First-year dental students took part in SEAL KY during October, completing two separate two-day trips to provide screenings and dental sealants to elementary — and, for the first time in 29 years, high school — students. Across the visits, more than 150 children and adolescents received preventive care.
“Over the years, several school superintendents and family resource staff have asked if we could include high school-aged students in our efforts,” said Amber Truax, outreach coordinator and project manager for the College of Dentistry. After receiving that feedback, College leadership approved the expansion.
In November the SEAL KY team returned to begin restorative care. Fourth-year students are delivering treatment inside the college’s mobile dental clinic stationed at the Musketeer Alumni Complex at Greenup County High School. Restorative trips will continue through April, aiming to provide follow-up care for about 100 students.
“Bringing comprehensive care directly to schools removes some of the biggest barriers families face when seeking dental treatment,” said Ron Singer, D.D.S., division chief of public health dentistry. He added that the hands-on outreach also trains students in community-based dentistry and public health.
Local dentists remain a key part of community care, but many practices are at capacity or face financial challenges that limit Medicaid acceptance. By bringing services on-site to McKell Elementary, Greenup County School of Innovation and Greenup County High School, SEAL KY reduces those access gaps.
For students, the program is both educational and personal. “As a Kentuckian, this trip was especially meaningful to me,” said first-year student Ella Durbin. “Being able to drive a couple of hours and provide services to people who truly need them makes a real difference.”
The outreach strengthens student training, improves short-term oral health for participating students and represents a long-term investment in Kentucky’s broader public health and workforce goals.