The University of Central Arkansas has received $30,000 from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation to complete a project titled “Using Interprofessional Care to Impact Oral Health in Head Start Families.”
Through this grant, more children and adults will receive better access to dental care and education about the importance of good oral health.
Alicia Landry
Dietetic interns and speech pathology students will participate in the program, which will allow collaborative, community-driven, interprofessional and service-oriented professional training.
“As we look toward the opening of the Interprofessional Teaching Clinic in the Integrated Health Sciences Building, interprofessional capacity building is more important than ever,” said Alicia Landry, associate professor and dietetic internship director. “The interprofessional work will guide their practice in the future and make students more aware of the importance of communication, teamwork and education across multiple health care disciplines to improve oral health in Arkansas.”
UCA’s project will target 4-year-olds in the Faulkner and Cleburne County areas. Caregivers of the children will range from 18- to 80-years-old with varying levels of education, literacy and health care access. Nontraditional approaches to oral health include speech pathology and nutrition, said Landry, who serves as principal investigator for the project.
The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation seeks to expand access to oral health care in underserved areas through its Community Grant program. Grant recipients were selected based on the innovativeness of the proposed project and its potential impact on the oral health of Arkansans.
About the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation
The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation is committed to fulfilling Delta Dental’s mission to improve the oral health of Arkansans. Since 2015, the Foundation has contributed an average of $3 million annually to support oral health programs and initiatives. By investing in education, prevention and treatment, we are working to make Arkansas healthier, one smile at a time. For more oral health news and information, visit www.DeltaDentalAR.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram at @DeltaDentalAR.