The University of Vermont (UVM) Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters Health Network have forged a significant partnership, expanding the UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program into northern New York. This collaboration underscores how A Preventive Care Dental Program Is A Partnership Between institutions dedicated to community health, aiming to enhance dental care access and attract more dentists to underserved rural areas, particularly within the Adirondacks region.
This innovative alliance integrates Hudson Headwaters’ dental center in Warrensburg, NY, as a new training site for resident dentists. For the UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program, this marks its first expansion into New York State, broadening its reach and impact on dental healthcare.
Dr. Justin Hurlburt, DMD, MA, Program Director of UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program, expressed enthusiasm about this growth: “We’re excited to expand and offer our residents more diverse experiences in delivering dental care. The Hudson Headwaters site will expose our residents to different patient needs and treatment scenarios, allowing them to serve a wider population.”
Addressing Rural Dental Care Demands Through Collaboration
Leaders at Hudson Headwaters emphasize the persistent challenges in providing adequate dental care in rural communities. Preventive dental care is crucial for overall health, and its accessibility has been a long-standing concern in regions like the Adirondacks.
Dr. Erin Thompson, DDS, lead dental provider at Hudson Headwaters, highlighted the importance of the partnership in addressing these challenges. “Our collaboration with UVM Medical Center is a vital step towards meeting the increasing demand for dental services in our region. The dental residents will significantly enhance our capacity to deliver quality care, and we are eager for our patients to benefit from this improved access.”
Building on a Strong Foundation of Collaboration
This new initiative builds upon a history of successful cooperation between the University of Vermont Health Network and Hudson Headwaters. Hudson Headwaters already works closely with health system hospitals in Elizabethtown, Plattsburgh, and Malone, NY, demonstrating a commitment to regional healthcare improvement.
Dr. Jason Sanders, M.D., President and CEO of University of Vermont Medical Group, emphasized the dual mission of academic health systems in rural areas: “Educating future clinicians and ensuring they understand the rewards of rural practice is a critical responsibility for us. This partnership exemplifies our health system’s innovative approach to tackling long-term healthcare challenges across Vermont and northern New York in collaboration with Hudson Headwaters.”
Welcoming the First Cohort of Dental Residents
Hudson Headwaters welcomed five resident dentists from the UVM Medical Center program to their Warrensburg dental center, marking the program’s immediate impact. The inaugural residents are:
- Raquel Alespeiti, DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
- Callan Bock, DDS, University of Minnesota
- Reegan DeBruycker, DDS, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
- Christian Jocham, DDS, New York University College of Dentistry
- Emily Lewis, DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Thompson extended a warm welcome, expressing hope that the residents would recognize the fulfilling career and positive community impact possible in rural practice.
Hudson Headwaters’ Dedication to Accessible Dental Services
Since 2005, Hudson Headwaters has been committed to providing dental care in Warrensburg, irrespective of patients’ financial situations or insurance status. Their dedication further extends to children through Healthy Smiles, a mobile program offering free preventive dental services at over 60 local schools. Hosting dental residents is the latest advancement in Hudson Headwaters’ ongoing efforts to enhance dental care access.
UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program: Training Future Dental Professionals
The UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program is a comprehensive one-year program, fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. It equips dentists for general practice, providing hands-on experience in a broad spectrum of dental care, from complex surgeries and emergencies to routine procedures. The program boasts a diverse faculty of oral surgeons, pediatric dentists, general dentists, orthodontists, and other specialists.
This partnership between UVM Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters exemplifies how collaborative initiatives are essential for expanding preventive dental care and building healthier communities. By working together, these organizations are not only increasing access to vital services but also fostering the next generation of dental professionals committed to serving rural populations.
