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The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry

Domains: Community Engagement; Curriculum & Programming

How UIC Dental is Transforming Urban Health Education

The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry demonstrates a comprehensive approach to community health through its Urban Health Program and service-learning curriculum. The program addresses critical disparities in oral healthcare access, particularly in Chicago where 65% of third-graders have cavities with more than half going untreated, and residents in high-hardship areas experience 40% more dental-related emergency visits than the city average.

Through its Division of Prevention & Public Health Sciences, UIC implements a progressive four-year service-learning curriculum. First-year students begin with preventive education in local schools, while fourth-year students complete 50-day rotations across more than 20 partner sites, including Federally Qualified Health Centers serving diverse populations from rural communities to developmentally disabled patients.

The College’s commitment is exemplified by its NIH-funded CO-OP Chicago Initiative, targeting cavity reduction in low-income and minority infants and toddlers. This program brings together healthcare professionals and researchers to develop oral health interventions, reaching  approximately 1,500 Chicago families through community health workers.

The Urban Health Program creates pathways for underrepresented students through multiple initiatives, including a Dental Camp for high school students, Dental Admission Test preparation programs, and a unique Post-Baccalaureate Program offering deferred acceptance. These initiatives, combined with collaborative open houses, demonstrate UIC’s commitment to building a diverse dental workforce. The impact is significant, with many of the 225 annual graduates choosing to practice in Illinois and Chicago, directly improving access to care in underserved communities. 

By weaving together community service and educational opportunity, UIC Dental is addressing both immediate healthcare needs and long-term workforce development in Chicago’s most vulnerable communities. This dual approach ensures that today’s care reaches those who need it most while building a pipeline of culturally competent providers who will serve these communities for generations to come.

"…I have been welcomed into a warm, supportive community that advocates for my success in dentistry. It is a space that I feel safe to come to when I am struggling academically but a community that I am also excited to share my accomplishments with. I am truly appreciative for the program and I hope to be able to provide the same support that I was given to future pre-dental students…”

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Case study developed by Sadiyah Anderson.

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