College of Dentistry CARE Program
Commitment to Access Resources and Education (CARE) Program
As part of The Ohio State University’s longstanding mission of service learning, the College of Dentistry is working to address the number one unmet healthcare need in Ohio for children and adults in underserved areas -- access to dental care. The challenge of improving oral health in Ohio has become an increasingly widespread task with many intricate components. Engaging students in clinical practice, cultivating beneficial community partnerships and maintaining a commitment to rigorous academic research drive our promise of preparing the best and brightest in the dental field. Building relationships between the community and the College of Dentistry will serve as a catalyst for increasing the number of dental professionals in shortage areas.
The CARE Program is a specialized program that aims to train dental students from provider shortage areas. The program focuses on preparing students to serve underserved communities and improve access to dental care in areas with limited resources. Through mentorship, community engagement and professional development, the CARE Program nurtures future dental professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on oral health in underserved regions.
Starting in the D-1 year students commit to participate in extracurricular monthly meetings with a public health focus, designed to prepare serving those in need and making a positive impact on public health through dentistry.
An informational meeting inviting qualified in-state students will be announced in October every year with the application process ending in November of every year, dates to be announced.
This program is for you if:
- If you plan to return to a designated Dental Health Provider Shortage Area as part of your career path, check to see if your area qualifies here: https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/by-address
- If you have a public health focus to your career path
- If you plan to work in a practice that accepts Medicaid, a sliding fee scale, or reduced fee’s based on income.
- If you plan to volunteer with a program like the OPTIONS program Dental OPTIONS (Ohio Partnership To Improve Oral health through access to Needed Services) is a program that helps adults in Ohio get dental care by linking them with volunteer dentists. Participating dentists provide care, either free of charge or at a discount.
- If you have a desire to be a healthcare leader and to impact the lives of all people with support and interest in helping people achieve healthier lifestyles.
Important Dates
October 10, 2024 CARE Program information meeting (Location to be Announced)
Application and Letters of Recommendation Deadline
November 15, 2024 (by 11:59 p.m.)
Why participate in the program?
The College of Dentistry’s Commitment to Access Resources and Education (CARE) Program is designed to increase access to oral health care in Ohio. As a CARE Program dental student, you will further develop your level of social awareness and problem solving abilities so that you can return to your hometown or another area in which the oral health care needs of the community are underserved. Working with dedicated faculty and staff in the college, along with active communication with your hometown dental practitioners and other healthcare professionals, you will learn how to increase opportunities for providing dental care in communities in need.
CARE Program graduates will be prepared for leadership roles as dental professionals, health care innovators, and members of the communities in which they provide Ohioans with much-needed access to oral health care.
Tuition Assistance: CARE students will be eligible for a scholarship of $10,000 that is renewable annually for participating students in good academic standing.
CARE Program Process and Application
View more details about the application process.