Building Oral Health Care Access (BOHCA) Educational Training Program: A service learning experience

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.