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Abstract #162182

Magda A. De la Torre, RDH, MPH and Courtney D. Pollard, RDH, BS. Department of Dental Hygiene, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., MC 6244, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, 210-567-8834, delatorrem@uthscsa.edu

The community of Laredo, Texas, with a majority of a Hispanic population, presents with a high prevalence of diagnosed diabetes. Science has proven the overall effects of oral health with systemic health and proper oral care is mandatory for the adult diabetic patient. Therefore, an increasing need for preventive and therapeutic dental care is essential. However, residents may find that receiving these dental services is difficult since Laredo is a medically, dentally, and professionally underserved area. The Building Oral Health Care Access (BOHCA) Educational Training Program is an extended service learning program through the Department of Dental Hygiene at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio that is helping to provide access to care. Additionally, students are educated and experience first-hand issues related to the lack of oral health care, cultural competency, and social responsibility along the Texas-Mexico border region. Educational opportunities are provided through collaboration with community health centers, school districts, faith-based non for profits, university environmental programs, and working directly with promotoras (community health workers) that live in the community. Two-year qualitative data through analysis of reflective journals from BOHCA students, revealed a higher awareness of social responsibility and continued service to underserved communities. Service learning is a valuable tool that can be utilized to benefit the population served and to educate students. The BOHCA Educational Training Program helped students acknowledge health disparities and demonstrate the many ways that each individual can impact the lives of others and the public health arena.

Learning Objectives: Participants of this session should be able to

• Gain an increase in knowledge of the lack of access to care in a border town.
• Evaluate the success of a service learning program for the community, students, and affiliates involved.
• Identify the impact of a reflective component in an oral health education curriculum.

Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Underserved Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.