In the heart of rural Hyde County, North Carolina, a unique partnership is blossoming to address a critical need: access to quality dental care. Once a month, within the unassuming walls of the Swan Quarter post office, East Carolina University (ECU) School of Dental Medicine transforms a section of the building into a fully functional dental clinic. This innovative Hyde County Outreach Clinic, a testament to ECU’s commitment to community engagement and accessible healthcare, is bringing smiles and essential oral health services to a region where they are desperately needed.
East Carolina University and its School of Dental Medicine are pioneering solutions to healthcare disparities in rural communities. The Hyde County Outreach Clinic exemplifies this dedication, serving not only Hyde County residents but also individuals from surrounding underserved rural areas. Since its inception in April 2022, this clinic has become a lifeline for nearly 75 unique patients from seven different counties, showcasing the profound impact of ECU’s outreach initiatives.
“We are still building strong relationships within Hyde County and the surrounding communities,” explains Dr. Rob Tempel, Associate Dean for Extramural Clinical Practices at the ECU School of Dental Medicine. “However, the demand for our services is evident. Our clinic schedule is consistently full, providing our students with invaluable hands-on experience while addressing a critical community need.”
Hyde County, alongside Tyrrell and Camden counties, faces a significant challenge as one of the few North Carolina counties without a practicing dentist. This stark reality underscores the importance of ECU’s intervention and the necessity for innovative approaches to healthcare delivery in geographically isolated areas.
ECU’s proactive approach involves strategic partnerships with local health and governmental organizations to combat the lack of dental access and the shortage of dental professionals in rural North Carolina. Key collaborators including the Hyde County Health Department, Hyde County government and commissioners, Ocracoke Health Center, and Engelhard Medical Center, are united in their pledge to improve healthcare outcomes in these often-overlooked communities. The ECU School of Dental Medicine’s commitment to this partnership is unwavering: to deliver exceptional patient care that fosters trust and strengthens the bond between the community and the dental school.
“Our primary goal is to build trust and familiarity with the residents of Hyde County and neighboring areas,” states Dr. Greg Chadwick, Dean of the ECU School of Dental Medicine. “We want them to recognize us as a reliable and integral part of their community, dedicated to providing top-tier dental care.”
Delivering Essential Dental Services and Restoring Smiles
The Hyde County Outreach Clinic is efficiently designed to maximize its monthly visits. Equipped with a welcoming check-in area and private, partitioned treatment spaces, the clinic can accommodate approximately 16 patients per visit. The process begins with patient screenings and scheduled appointments, followed by comprehensive restorative care provided by ECU dental students, faculty, and residents. This streamlined system is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all partners involved and the financial support that validates ECU’s impactful initiatives.
Hearst Foundations Invests in ECU Dental Care Expansion
The transformative impact of the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine in addressing the dental needs of rural and underserved populations is gaining national recognition and crucial funding. A significant $100,000 grant from the Hearst Foundations marks the first instance of ECU receiving support from this prestigious organization. The Hearst Foundations are renowned for identifying and funding exceptional non-profits dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals from all backgrounds across the United States, enabling them to build healthier, more productive, and fulfilling lives. This generous grant will significantly bolster ECU’s efforts to provide essential dental care to uninsured and low-income patients in Hyde County and across all ECU School of Dental Medicine clinics throughout North Carolina.
“ECU stands out as a leader in providing exceptionally comprehensive care through these outreach clinics,” notes Ligia Cravo, Senior Program Officer with Hearst Foundations. “Their unwavering mission to serve underserved communities is truly remarkable.”
The Hearst Foundations’ funding directly supports the provision of high-quality, state-of-the-art dental care by the ECU School of Dental Medicine. It also acknowledges the passionate dedication of ECU faculty and students to serving those most in need, regardless of their financial circumstances or the complexity of required dental procedures.
The ECU School of Dental Medicine will strategically utilize the Hearst Foundations grant to procure additional portable dental equipment and establish Patient Care Funds. These funds are specifically designed to assist individuals who require financial aid to access dental care, with the Hyde County Outreach Clinic serving as the initial beneficiary.
“It is my sincere hope that the patient-centered care model championed by the ECU School of Dental Medicine, a model that has proven exceptionally effective, will serve as an inspiration for replication across the nation,” Cravo emphasizes.
Prior to the Hearst Foundations’ grant, the Anonymous Trust, a philanthropic organization focused on supporting rural and underserved communities, demonstrated their confidence in ECU’s vision by awarding the School of Dental Medicine a $144,000 grant in 2019. This initial funding facilitated the purchase of portable dental equipment and provided crucial personnel support to launch the Hyde County Outreach Clinic. These combined investments underscore the growing recognition and financial backing for ECU’s innovative approach to dental care in underserved areas.
Decades of inconsistent dental care access in Hyde County, marked by the departure of the last local dentist and the unsustainable demand placed on a visiting mobile dentist, have created a significant healthcare void. Luana Gibbs, Hyde County Health Director, emphasizes the profound impact of ECU’s presence, stating, “When the opportunity arose to collaborate with ECU and establish this clinic, we were fully committed.”
Gibbs highlights the collaborative spirit that brought the clinic to fruition, noting the local business owner who generously offered the clinic space. “Securing this space was a crucial step,” she explains. “It fills me with immense pride to witness the success of this partnership. We are hopeful for continued growth, as the need for accessible dental care in our community is undeniable.”
The Hyde County Outreach Clinic mirrors the inclusive approach of all ECU School of Dental Medicine facilities, accepting Medicaid to ensure care is accessible to a broader patient population. Referrals originate from various sources, including word-of-mouth, the Hyde County Health Department, and nearby Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Emma Williams, a nurse practitioner at the Hyde County Health Department, plays a vital role in patient assessment and referrals.
“The nearest dental office is 30 miles away, with the next closest being 60 miles,” Williams points out, highlighting the significant geographical barriers faced by residents.
To mitigate these distances, the ECU School of Dental Medicine has equipped local health departments with teledentistry capabilities. These cameras enable real-time consultations between ECU dental students and faculty in Greenville and healthcare providers in Hyde County, facilitating remote diagnosis of oral health issues.
“While our physical presence in Hyde County is currently limited to one day a month,” Dr. Tempel explains, “these teledentistry tools empower the health department and FQHC to engage in live consultations with our specialists. This synchronous communication allows for efficient diagnosis and prioritization of urgent cases.” This integration of technology significantly extends the reach and impact of ECU dental care beyond the monthly clinic visits.
Wrenn Whitfield, an ECU undergraduate student pursuing degrees in biochemistry, business administration, and entrepreneurship, embodies the proactive spirit of ECU students. As the Hyde County project coordinator, Whitfield manages the clinic’s virtual operations, including patient scheduling, supply procurement, and coordination with local healthcare agencies. Hailing from Kinston, NC, Whitfield’s personal connection to rural communities fuels her dedication to this project.
“This experience has been incredibly enriching as an undergraduate student,” Whitfield shares, who is also pursuing dental school applications. “Dentistry resonated with me as a field that harmoniously blends academics, service, and creativity.”
Embracing the Scenic Beauty and Community Spirit of Hyde County
Hyde County, renowned for its natural beauty encompassing Ocracoke Island and Lake Mattamuskeet, and community events like Farm Days, offers a unique, slower pace of life cherished by its residents.
“Life here is very rural, the people are incredibly friendly, and it’s wonderfully laidback,” describes Jan Moore, a Hyde County Clinic patient from Swan Quarter. “While we may be a bit behind in some ways, that’s part of our charm. However, our location often leads to us being overlooked, which contributes to the shortage of doctors, dentists, and other essential professionals.”
The prominent purple ECU sign displayed at the clinic serves as a powerful symbol of hope and reassurance for residents – a visual reminder that their community has not been forgotten.
Lee Brimmage, 4H extension agent for Hyde County Cooperative Extension and President of the Hyde County Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the profound community impact of the clinic. “Having readily available dental services right here in our county is invaluable,” Brimmage states. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This clinic revitalizes our community and expands the essential services we can offer our citizens.”
ECU dental students also gain invaluable experiences through the Hyde County Outreach Clinic. Fourth-year students dedicate nine weeks each to three of the school’s Community Service Learning Centers (CSLCs) across the state, accumulating 27 weeks of rigorous clinical training. Volunteering at the Hyde County Outreach Clinic offers a unique and sought-after opportunity for students during their Ross Hall CSLC rotations.
“Even before finalizing the Hyde County clinic location, we had enthusiastic students, faculty, and residents eager to join the team,” Dean Chadwick recalls.
Sung Baek, a fourth-year dental student from Indian Trail, views caring for patients in Hyde County as an act of kinship. “This experience is deeply meaningful to me,” Baek shares. “Having grown up in a similar rural environment and witnessed my own parents face comparable challenges, I feel a strong sense of empathy for the patients here. For me, it’s about giving back and treating each patient as if they were my own family, ensuring they receive the dental care they deserve.”
Jan Moore attests to the exceptional skills of the ECU dental students. “If I hadn’t been told they were students, I would never have known,” she remarks.
Moore emphasizes that the clinic’s benefits extend beyond dental restorations, significantly easing logistical challenges for residents, particularly transportation. “For many in our community, traveling to the next county for dental care is a major hurdle,” she explains. “Having this clinic right here is incredibly convenient. The more our community embraces and supports this initiative, the more likely ECU will continue to invest in our needs. This service is desperately needed and deeply appreciated.”
Pioneering a New Frontier in Dental Education and Community Service
The success of the Hyde County clinic is intrinsically linked to the innovative model of the ECU School of Dental Medicine. Its network of eight CSLCs across North Carolina provides students with unparalleled clinical experiences, preparing them not only for dental practice but also to address the unique challenges of delivering care in rural and underserved communities.
“ECU’s School of Dental Medicine is truly pioneering,” Dr. Tempel affirms. “It is the only institution with a model encompassing eight state-owned and ECU-staffed clinics, all upholding the same rigorous standards of education and patient care. The Hyde County clinic exemplifies the university’s commitment to reaching out to rural communities and developing innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges.”
The school’s distinctive educational and patient care model, exemplified by initiatives like the Hyde County Clinic and school-based preventive care programs in Bertie and Jones counties, is attracting national attention.
“Healthcare providers and academic institutions nationwide are observing ECU’s model, recognizing its innovative approach to serving rural communities across America,” Dr. Tempel notes.
Melony Hodges, a Hyde County native and ECU Honors College freshman aspiring to become a dentist, embodies the long-term impact of ECU’s outreach. Hodges envisions returning to her home county to practice dentistry and inspire future generations. “I hope to contribute to the well-being of my community and encourage local youth to pursue similar careers and reinvest in Hyde County,” she states. “This clinic is a vital step towards realizing that goal.”
Markus Mosley, a second-year ECU dental student who participated in an oral health screening event at Hyde County Farm Days, echoes this sentiment. “Witnessing the hope and joy we brought to the community during the Farm Days event profoundly impacted my perspective on my future career and the significance of service,” Mosley reflects. “Every individual we encounter has a unique story and identity. Person-centered care is at the heart of our school’s mission. Being able to provide that care in Hyde County, even in my second year, is a true blessing.”
This dedication to community service, coupled with innovative educational practices, positions ECU Dental Care as a leading force in transforming oral healthcare access in rural North Carolina and beyond, fulfilling its promise to serve all communities.
