Dental Hygiene Students Bring Care to the Community at RAM

Written By: Rachel Putman

Students from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Dental Hygiene Program gained hands-on clinical experience while providing free dental care to members of the River Valley community during the second annual Remote Area Medical clinic Oct. 24 at Kay Rodgers Park.

Twenty eight junior and senior dental hygiene students and five full-time faculty from UAFS participated in the event, providing free dental cleanings to patients who might otherwise face barriers to accessing care. The experience allowed students to apply their clinical skills while serving their community.

"Participation in this event was especially meaningful as October is National Dental Hygiene month, a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of oral health and celebrating the work of present and future dental hygienists," UAFS dental hygiene student Haylee Bender said. "Dental hygienists play an essential role in promoting preventive care, educating patients, and helping individuals maintain healthy smiles."

The RAM clinic, held Oct. 24-25, was organized by student doctors at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and brought together health care professionals, students and community volunteers to provide free medical, dental and vision services.

According to a report published by ARCOM, preliminary figures show that the two-day clinic registered 328 patients and provided $249,678 in free health care services.

For UAFS students, the event offered an opportunity to strengthen their clinical skills while experiencing the importance of preventive care and patient education outside a traditional clinical setting.

"Experiences like RAM reinforce the importance of community involvement, compassionate patient care, and the responsibility dental hygienists have to advocate for oral health," Bender said.

Remote Area Medical is a nonprofit organization that provides free health care through mobile clinics across the country. Its services include dental cleanings, fillings and extractions, general medical examinations, eye exams and prescription glasses.

According to RAM, clinics are open to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status. Patients are not required to provide identification or insurance, and services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Fort Smith event was supported by the Degen Foundation and First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith, which made an additional donation during the clinic, according to ARCOM.