OKLAHOMA CITY – The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry has earned a five-year, $2.1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand the workforce of pediatric dentists in Oklahoma and increase access to comprehensive oral health care.
OU’s College of Dentistry is the state’s only dental school, and the pediatric dentistry residency is the state’s only program that trains dentists in the care of children. Most pediatric dentists in Oklahoma work in metro areas, and the majority of the state’s 77 counties have no dentists who specialize in children’s oral health care. This grant will enable the OU College of Dentistry to give dentists new and expanded experiences in caring for children in rural and underserved areas of the state.
“Our ultimate aim is to improve oral health in Oklahoma, particularly for infants, children and teenagers,” said Tim Fagan, D.D.S., MS, a clinical professor, chair of the Department of Developmental Sciences and head of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at the OU College of Dentistry. “By sending our residents to train at locations outside the metro areas, we expect not only to care for more children, but we hope it will spur interest among our residents to one day practice dentistry in areas that lack access.”
The pediatric dentistry residency, which began in July 2024, is a two-year program. Last year, the program welcomed its first cohort of three pediatric dental residents; this year, the number of new residents increased to four.
With the grant, the college will increase the number of locations for pediatric dental resident rotations, as well as the amount of time they spend at each location. Residents see patients at clinics operated by Variety Care, a federally qualified health center with locations across Oklahoma. The residency program also plans to partner with the Chickasaw Nation so that residents gain additional experience at its locations.
“This grant gives us the opportunity to strengthen the training our residents receive while increasing access to care for children across Oklahoma,” said residency program assistant director Autumn Hurd, D.D.S., who is principal investigator for the grant. “By expanding our reach into underserved communities, we’re not only preparing the next generation of pediatric dentists but also improving oral health outcomes for kids who need it most.”
The residents also train at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic located at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health in Oklahoma City, where they often provide dental care to children with medical complexities and developmental conditions. Some patients with dental issues may have cancer or be awaiting a transplant, or they may have autism or sensory disorders that make a dental visit distressing.
During the first year of the program, residents have significantly advanced their dental skills and their ability to help children become comfortable receiving care.
“Our residents have grown tremendously in just one year, and they have a passion for serving children,” said David Ciesla, D.D.S., director of the pediatric dentistry residency program. “With this grant, we’re excited to offer even more training opportunities that will broaden their experience and better prepare them to meet the needs of children across Oklahoma.”
The pediatric residency program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. It also aligns with OU’s strategic plan to expand access to affordable oral health care, reduce health disparities and grow the health care workforce in Oklahoma.
“We are thrilled to receive this federal grant, which will help us create more opportunities for our pediatric dentistry residents,” said Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “Oral health plays a vital role in overall well-being, and good habits start early in life. Expanding this residency program means we can reach more of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children with the care they need.”
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