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University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine

Domains: Curriculum & Programming; Community Engagement

Advancing Oral Health Equity Through Bilingual Education and Community Service

The University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine stands as the only bilingual dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA),  uniquely positioning it to serve both the Puerto Rican population and the broader Ibero-American community. The institution’s mission integrates teaching, research, and service, with a primary focus on preparing dentists who can effectively address the oral health needs of Puerto Rico’s diverse population while extending their impact throughout the Caribbean Basin and Ibero-America.

The school’s comprehensive educational approach includes a Doctor of Dental Medicine program that emphasizes critical thinking and bioethical sensitivity, complemented by postdoctoral offerings and an innovative Continuing Education program. Additionally, their Advanced Placement Program specifically targets internationally trained dentists from Spanish-speaking countries, providing them with a pathway to US dental practice credentials while expanding the pool of bilingual dental professionals.

To increase access to dental education and services, the institution participates in the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students program, addressing the critical need for minority representation in dentistry. This initiative aligns with their commitment to social responsibility, providing financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and focusing on graduating practitioners who will serve in underserved communities.

The school’s service model demonstrates its dedication to community oral health through student-provided dental services under faculty supervision, delivered at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. These services emphasize prevention and education, with both intramural and extramural care options ensuring broad community access. Their research initiatives focus on social determinants of health and the development of new scientific knowledge, supported by strategic partnerships at national and international levels.

Through this multifaceted approach to dental education and service, the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine continues to advance oral health equity while preparing culturally competent dental professionals. Their commitment to bilingual education, community service, and educational innovation positions them as a crucial resource for addressing oral health disparities in Puerto Rico and beyond.

Case report developed by Sadiyah Anderson.

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