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Throughout its 80-year existence, the University of Washington School of Dentistry has educated almost 7,000 dental practitioners, many of whom remain in Washington. However, the School’s commitment to service begins long before graduation. UW dental students, faculty, and community volunteers offer complimentary care to neighborhoods across Washington, assisting hundreds of patients every academic quarter.  

The UW’s community partnerships extend across the state. Recently, the School of Dentistry has provided care in Toppenish, Moses Lake, and Longview, in addition to monthly service days at Union Gospel Mission in Seattle and quarterly mobile clinics. Patients benefit from oral health assessments, fillings, tooth extractions, and cleanings. 

A patient receives treatment at a complimentary clinic facilitated by the UW School of Dentistry in Aberdeen, Washington.

“The initiatives we undertake in communities throughout the state exemplify why the UW is frequently referred to as the University for Washington,” stated André Ritter, dean of the UW School of Dentistry. “These initiatives and collaborations further the mission of the UW and the School in meaningful ways through education and clinical service.” 

The clinics are managed by the School’s Office of Educational Partnerships, which is entirely dedicated to enhancing the oral health of individuals in the Pacific Northwest. OEP organizes outreach programs tailored to the unique needs of each community. Dental students have the chance to engage in outreach clinics or serve as mentors for middle- and high-school students, motivating them to pursue dental education and ultimately support their own communities.  

Typically, dental students begin treating patients at the beginning of their third year. However, at the UW, students can gain experience in clinical environments in underserved areas during the summer following their first year through the Rural and Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP).  

The School also provides a distinct educational pathway that equips dentists to serve in rural and underserved populations. In collaboration with Eastern Washington University and the UW School of Medicine, the program — Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) — has seen more than 80% of its alumni return to rural and marginalized communities across the Pacific Northwest. 

“Oral health is a vital element of overall wellness, and everyone should have access to quality dental care,” remarked Amy Kim, a UW clinical associate professor of pediatric dentistry and head of the Office of Educational Partnerships. “We acknowledge that it is our responsibility and honor to assist those who need it most.” 

 The UW School of Dentistry will continue its outreach and service initiatives throughout the fall and winter quarters. For further details or to find out about upcoming service days, reach out to Alden Woods at [email protected].

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