The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation has donated its Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC) to High Point University's (HPU) Workman School of Dental Medicine in North Carolina. This clinic, housed within a fully equipped RV featuring 2 dental chairs, is designed to help HPU dental students gain practical experience by offering essential dental care to underserved communities. This donation aligns with both organizations' shared commitment to expanding access to quality oral health care and integrating dental and medical services, according to a press release from PDS.

The MDC has a notable history of service. From 2013 to 2020, PDS Foundation volunteers used the clinic to provide free dental care to underserved populations across the United States. The clinic traveled to both urban and rural areas, reaching people who otherwise could not access or afford dental care. Over those years, the MDC reportedly participated in more than 155 events and served over 5700 patients, providing more than $4 million in donated dental treatments.

On July 23, PDS Foundation Executive Director Michael Le visited High Point University to officially hand over the clinic's keys to a group of faculty and staff members from the Workman School of Dental Medicine. During the handover, Le emphasized the significance of this donation, noting that the MDC will not only provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities for HPU students but also play a crucial role in expanding access to quality oral health care.

“This donation is an extension of our mission at the PDS Foundation,” Le stated. “The Mobile Dental Clinic will provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities while expanding access to quality oral health care. High Point University is the ideal partner, emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall health and focusing on community service. We believe the MDC at HPU will serve as a beacon for both future and current servant-hearted leaders dedicated to expanding access to care. We look forward to seeing the achievements of the students and the entire HPU team.”

The need for this type of service in North Carolina is significant. The state has a shortage of dentists per capita, particularly in rural areas. As the only private dental school in North Carolina, HPU is positioned to help fill this gap by increasing the pipeline of dental professionals and expanding access to oral health care for underserved populations. The MDC will give dental students another avenue to gain clinical experience, which is crucial for their career development, while simultaneously addressing a critical gap in care.

Beyond its educational impact, the MDC will be a vital resource for the community. HPU plans to partner with a medical provider in North Carolina to host community events where free dental and medical treatments will be offered to vulnerable populations. These events will also highlight the benefits of coordinated care, demonstrating how integrating dental and medical services can improve overall health outcomes.

“We’re proud to partner with the PDS Foundation to broaden our service to the community and to reach more people,” said Ali Shazib, DMD, Dean and Chief Clinical Officer for the HPU Workman School of Dental Medicine. “The Mobile Dental Clinic is a great opportunity to deliver integrated care to patients with complex needs who often cannot access oral health care. Veterans, the homeless, and other communities need and deserve quality dental care, and this clinic will help fill the gap while providing students with real-world experience to strengthen their careers as oral health providers.”

The Workman School of Dental Medicine is set to welcome its inaugural class of students Fall 2024, marking a significant step in HPU’s efforts to contribute to the dental profession and address health care disparities in the region.