OUTREACH PROGRAM

COMPLETES EIGHTH YEAR

The ongoing goal of the Academy of Prosthodontics throughout its history has been to study, investigate, disseminate and promote the art and science of prosthodontics. At the core of this goal is the continuing commitment to the care and well being of Prosthodontic patients. In 1993, the Academy began an ambitious program of delivering Prosthodontic care to under served areas.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) was approached and welcomed as our first Outreach group to the Carl Albert Indian Health Care Center in Ada, Oklahoma. This Clinic serves the Chickasaw Nation and had a waiting list of two thousand edentulous patients-a wait of up to three years. During a one-week visit, eight Academy members treated 29 medically compromised patients and the Outreach project was considered a success by all involved. The patients were well served and much was learned about providing prosthodontic care to an under served population. For instance, Indian Health Service clinics are too small to support large visiting dental groups effectively. On the basis of this first program, it was decided to reduce the group size and increase the variety and number of locations. This change allows more effective Outreach teams and reduces the strain on the routine of these small clinics.

The following year, an Academy group returned to Ada, Oklahoma, as well as, a Browning, Montana site serving the Blackfeet Nation, and Fort Duchesne, Utah serving the Ute Nation. In 1995 a new site, Juneau, Alaska, was added to the Academy’s Outreach Program. By 1996, 19 Academy fellows had treated 175 patents with a benefit of over $200,000 to the Indian Health Service.

In 1997, four Outreach projects were completed. Three Academy members treated patients in Browning, Montana at the Indian Health Service Clinic. Twelve edentulous patients were provided with complete dentures over a four-day period. Another group of three Academy members provided care at the Okmulgee, Oklahoma IHS dental clinic servicing the Creek Nation. Twelve Patients were treated during four days. This treatment was especially valuable because there was a six-month waiting period in the clinic. The Academy also returned to the Juneau, Alaska outreach site and treated twelve patients.

Based on the success of these Native American outreach programs and the continuing support from the Academy of Prosthodontics Foundation, it was suggested that an inner city site be chosen as our first urban site. The University of Illinois graciously allowed the use of their facility. In the summer of 1997, three Academy fellows along with prosthodontic graduate students treated patients from the Illinois Foundation for the Handicapped, as well as local nursing home residents and patients within the University of Illinois College of Dentistry who could not afford complete denture care. This Outreach location was particularly well suited because the State of Illinois eliminated the Support of adult dental care 1995.

The Academy 1997 Outreach Program was very successful and gained some media attention. Articles describing the Academy’s activities were published in Dental Products Report and Dental Laboratory Products Report. This media attention has resulted in donations of supplies and equipment for future projects.

In 1998, the Academy returned to Juneau, Alaska; Chicago, Illinois; Browning Montana and added a new site, Pine Ridge, South Dakota serving the Lakota Nation.

In 1999 the Academy returned to Alaska, Montana and South Dakota and this year’s groups went to Utah and Alaska. The Montana trip was canceled due to severe forest fires in the area.

Academy Outreach programs is a rewarding experience for the participants, the Academy and for the patients. The opportunity for service, challenge, camaraderie and Learning is an inviting combination. If you are interested in participating at an Academy Outreach site in 1998 please contact the Outreach Committee Chair, Eric Rasmussen.