A significant collaboration between the University of Vermont Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters Health Network is set to enhance dental care access in northern New York. This alliance expands the Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program, bringing more dental residents to the region and reinforcing the commitment of both organizations to preventive dental health. Leaders emphasize that this partnership is crucial for improving access to preventive dental care and attracting dentists to serve rural communities across the Adirondacks.
This innovative partnership unites two prominent non-profit entities: the University of Vermont Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters, a Federally Qualified Health Center. By incorporating Hudson Headwaters’ dental center in Warrensburg, NY, as a training site, the Dental Residency Program broadens its reach. This marks the program’s first training location within New York State, offering residents diverse practical experiences.
“We are thrilled to expand our program and offer our residents enriched experiences in dental care and services,” stated Justin Hurlburt, DMD, MA, Program Director of UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program. “Integrating a training site at Hudson Headwaters allows our residents to engage with varied patient needs and treatments, ultimately benefiting a larger population.” This expansion underscores how A Preventive Care Dental Program Is A Partnership Between The educational institution and community health centers, creating a synergistic environment for learning and service.
Hudson Headwaters’ clinical leadership highlights the persistent challenge of ensuring adequate dental care access in rural areas. They emphasize that dental care is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, significantly impacting overall well-being. For rural communities in the region, this has been a long-standing concern.
“Our collaboration with UVM Medical Center represents a promising stride towards fulfilling the increasing demand for dental services in our region,” commented Erin Thompson, DDS, Lead Dental Provider at Hudson Headwaters. “The addition of residents enhances our capacity to deliver high-quality care, and we are excited about the improved access our patients will gain.” This initiative perfectly illustrates how a preventive care dental program is a partnership between healthcare providers and academic institutions, working in tandem to address community needs.
Launched earlier this month, this partnership builds upon a strong foundation of cooperation between the University of Vermont Health Network and Hudson Headwaters. Hudson Headwaters already collaborates closely with health system hospitals in Elizabethtown, Plattsburgh, and Malone, NY, demonstrating a history of successful joint efforts.
“For an academic health system dedicated to serving a broad, rural landscape, training the next generation of clinicians while exposing them to the rewards of rural practice is paramount,” stated Jason Sanders, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of University of Vermont Medical Group, and Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Officer for University of Vermont Health Network. “This partnership exemplifies the innovative collaborations between our health system and Hudson Headwaters, tackling enduring challenges that directly affect the health of communities across Vermont and northern New York.” This statement reinforces the idea that a preventive care dental program is a partnership between health systems and community organizations to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure.
Hudson Headwaters has welcomed five resident dentists from UVM Medical Center’s program to its Warrensburg dental center. The inaugural residents include Raquel Alespeiti, DMD, Callan Bock, DDS, Reegan DeBruycker, DDS, Christian Jocham, DDS, and Emily Lewis, DMD.
Dr. Thompson expressed her enthusiasm, “We are delighted to welcome UVM Medical Center dental residents and hope they recognize the fulfilling career and significant impact they can achieve by choosing to serve our rural communities.” This vision emphasizes that a preventive care dental program is a partnership that not only benefits patients but also provides enriching professional opportunities for dental practitioners.
Since 2005, Hudson Headwaters has been committed to providing dental care in Warrensburg, ensuring services are available regardless of insurance status or financial constraints. Further expanding access, the Healthy Smiles program delivers free preventive dental services to children in over 60 local schools. Welcoming dental residents marks the latest advancement in Hudson Headwaters’ ongoing efforts to enhance dental services.
UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency program, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, is a comprehensive one-year rotation within the American Dental Association framework. The program equips dentists for general practice, offering hands-on experience in a wide spectrum of dental care, ranging from complex oral surgery and emergencies to routine dentistry. The faculty comprises oral surgeons, pediatric dentists, general dentists, orthodontists, and other specialized oral health professionals, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience and highlighting how a preventive care dental program is a partnership of diverse expertise.
CONTACT:
Pam Fisher
Director of External Affairs
Hudson Headwaters Health Network
518-338-7905
Philip Rau
Communications & Engagement Strategies
University of Vermont Medical Center
724-372-0147
