Mid-State Health Center is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting three dental residents through the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Rural Track program of Harvard School of Dental Medicine. This partnership aims to address the gap in dental education and access to care for underserved and vulnerable populations in rural areas of New Hampshire.
The AEGD-Rural Track program, funded by a generous grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), focuses on providing comprehensive dental training in rural communities. The program equips newly graduated dentists with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the unique oral health needs of individuals residing in underserved areas.
Starting in July, Mid-State Health Center will open its doors to three highly talented and dedicated dental professionals through the program. These students handpicked for their commitment to serving rural communities, will spend a significant portion of their training at the Mid-State Dental Clinic, working closely with its experienced dental team.
“We are honored to be selected as a host site for the AEGD-Rural Track program,” said Robert MacLeod, CEO of Mid-State Health Center. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality, compassionate dental care to individuals in rural areas who often face barriers to accessing oral health services. We believe that by partnering with prestigious institutions like Harvard School of Dental Medicine, we can make a significant impact on improving oral health outcomes for our community.”
The dental students participating in the AEGD-Rural Track program will gain invaluable hands-on experience by providing a wide range of dental services to our patients. Under the guidance and supervision of Mid-State’s skilled dental professionals, they will contribute to enhancing the oral health and well-being of our community members.
“The partnership with Harvard School of Dental Medicine to bring a public health-focused residency program for general dentists to New Hampshire is a great opportunity to increase the number of providers who are adequately trained to address the unique challenges that patients in rural communities face.” said Dr. Kelly Perry, DMD, Dental Director at Mid-State Health Center. “These residents will work directly within several NH regions and will increase the availability of high-quality, comprehensive care available in our rural communities.”
Mid-State Health Center is grateful to HRSA for its support in making this partnership possible and recognizes the importance of programs like the AEGD-Rural Track in addressing oral health disparities. By investing in the education and training of dental residents committed to serving rural communities, HRSA plays a vital role in improving access to dental care for underserved populations. As a state without a dental school or residency programs, it is critical for New Hampshire to collaborate with Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) to grow its dental workforce. Residents will be recruited to work in New Hampshire permanently after completing their formal post-doctoral dental training.
For more information about Mid-State Health Center and its dental services, please visit www.midstatehealth.org or call: 603-536-4000.