The University of Vermont Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters Health Network have forged a new partnership, expanding the Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program into northern New York. This collaboration aims to enhance preventive dental care access and boost dentist recruitment in Adirondack rural communities. Leaders from both organizations emphasize that A Preventive Care Dental Program Is A Partnership Between healthcare providers and the community they serve, and this initiative exemplifies that principle.
This innovative partnership between UVM Medical Center, a renowned academic institution, and Hudson Headwaters, a Federally Qualified Health Center, integrates Hudson Headwaters’ Warrensburg, NY dental center as a training site for resident dentists. This marks the first New York State training location for the program, signifying a major step in addressing regional healthcare needs.
“We are thrilled about this expansion and the enriched experiences it offers our residents in delivering dental care and services,” stated Justin Hurlburt, DMD, MA, Program Director of UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency Program. He highlighted that “Establishing a training site at Hudson Headwaters means our residents will gain exposure to a diverse range of patient needs and treatment modalities, ultimately benefiting a larger population.” This expansion underscores how a preventive care dental program is a partnership between education and practical application, preparing future dentists for real-world challenges.
Hudson Headwaters’ clinical leadership team emphasizes the persistent challenge of ensuring access to dental care in rural communities. They recognize dental care as a crucial component of preventive healthcare, directly impacting overall well-being.
“Our alliance with UVM Medical Center represents a significant stride in addressing the increasing demand for dental services within our region,” commented Erin Thompson, DDS, Lead Dental Provider at Hudson Headwaters. “The dental residents will augment our capacity to provide high-quality care, and we are eager for our patients to experience the advantages of this improved access.” This perspective reinforces that a preventive care dental program is a partnership between providers and patients, working together to improve health outcomes.
Building upon a strong foundation of collaboration between the University of Vermont Health Network and Hudson Headwaters, this new program leverages the existing relationships between Hudson Headwaters’ primary care centers and health system hospitals in New York.
Jason Sanders, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of University of Vermont Medical Group, articulated the broader vision: “As an academic health system committed to serving a vast rural landscape, it is our critical duty to educate the next generation of clinicians while showcasing the rewards of practicing in rural settings. This partnership is yet another innovative example of how our health system and Hudson Headwaters are tackling long-standing issues that directly influence the health and wellness of individuals across Vermont and northern New York.” Dr. Sanders’ statement emphasizes that a preventive care dental program is a partnership between academic institutions, health networks, and the communities they collectively serve.
Hudson Headwaters has welcomed the first cohort of five resident dentists from UVM Medical Center’s program to their Warrensburg dental center. The inaugural residents include Raquel Alespeiti, DMD, Callan Bock, DDS, Reegan DeBruycker, DDS, Christian Jocham, DDS, and Emily Lewis, DMD.
Dr. Thompson added, “We warmly welcome the UVM Medical Center resident dentists and hope they recognize the fulfilling careers and positive impact they can achieve by choosing to serve our rural communities.”
Since 2005, Hudson Headwaters has been committed to providing dental care in Warrensburg, ensuring services are available regardless of insurance status or financial capacity. Their commitment further expanded with Healthy Smiles, a mobile program delivering free preventive dental care to children in over 60 local schools. Welcoming dental residents is the latest advancement in Hudson Headwaters’ ongoing efforts to enhance dental services.
UVM Medical Center’s Dental Residency program is a comprehensive one-year rotation, fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The curriculum prepares dentists for general practice, offering extensive practical experience in all facets of dental care, ranging from complex oral surgery to routine procedures. The program’s faculty consists of specialists across various dental fields, ensuring residents receive well-rounded training. This comprehensive training further highlights that a preventive care dental program is a partnership between experienced professionals and those entering the field.
CONTACT:
Pam Fisher
Director of External Affairs
Hudson Headwaters Health Network
518-338-7905
CONTACT:
Philip Rau
Communications & Engagement Strategies
University of Vermont Medical Center
724-372-0147
