DentaQuest Donates $25,000 to Enhance Dental Education at OU College
In a significant move to support dental education and community engagement, DentaQuest, a member of Sun Life U.S., has announced a generous contribution of $25,000 to the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. This investment is set to bolster various initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for dental students and expanding access to oral care in underserved communities throughout the state. With rising uncertainties surrounding government funding for educational institutions, DentaQuest’s timely support aims to strengthen the capacity of dental schools to produce qualified professionals and improve health care access.
The donation will be strategically allocated across three primary initiatives that underscore the college’s commitment to developing successful dental practitioners while simultaneously addressing critical oral health needs. These initiatives include expanding externship placements in rural areas, enhancing interprofessional practice at Unity Clinic, and supporting student affiliations with notable professional associations such as the Student National Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association. This funding ensures that students not only receive academic knowledge but also practical experience crucial for their future careers.
Dean Paul Mullasseril of the OU College of Dentistry expressed profound gratitude towards DentaQuest for their vital contribution. He highlighted that the funding is essential for treating patients requiring care and presents invaluable learning experiences for students. The college’s mission prioritizes the training of compassionate dentists who understand the importance of community involvement in oral health care, and DentaQuest’s support plays a pivotal role in advancing this mission.
Dr. Jandra Korb, the dental director at DentaQuest in Oklahoma, emphasized the importance of increasing access to dental care, especially for populations that traditionally face barriers to service. "Investing in community-based care is critical for improving oral health trends,” she stated. This perspective aligns perfectly with DentaQuest’s ongoing commitment to enhancing care delivery in collaboration with educational institutions.
Furthermore, DentaQuest has a history of supporting various programs and initiatives at the University of Oklahoma, including contributions to the Indigent Care Fund. This latest donation is part of a larger effort to address oral health disparities and support nonprofits within the Oklahoma community such as Good Shepherd Clinic and Catholic Charities.
DentaQuest operates as a leading dental benefits administrator, managing dental services for approximately 35 million individuals across the United States. Their innovative approach, rooted in preventative care, expands opportunities for access to quality dental care. Through Preventistry®, a concept focused on in-depth preventive strategies that improve community health outcomes, DentaQuest has established itself as a frontrunner in promoting oral health awareness at both the local and national levels.
The OU College of Dentistry holds a unique position in Oklahoma’s education landscape, being the sole provider of Doctor of Dental Surgery training in the state. Graduates from this esteemed institution comprise over 70% of practicing dentists in Oklahoma, underscoring the college's critical role in shaping the future of dental professionals. It adopts a hands-on approach to learning, offering students a blend of general and specialty care experience through various clinics.
As we look to the future, collaborations like that between DentaQuest and the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry promise to enhance the landscape of dental education and care delivery. These partnerships not only prepare students to meet the evolving needs of dental patients but also empower future leaders in the field, committed to fostering lifelong community health improvements.