UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HEALTH CENTER

General dentists and children aren't always an easy fit.  In fact, research shows many general dentists don't feel adequately trained to treat very young patients.  That's where the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) is stepping in, with support from the Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health).

Funded by a 19-month CHF grant of $67,366 in January 2006, UCHC is training general dentists and staff in six community health centers to increase effectiveness in providing pediatric care, especially to Connecticut's children ensured by Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth (HUSKY). 

Working with dentists at health centers in Bridgeport, East Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, Norwich and Waterbury, the program is:

• Increasing each practitioner's comfort level with children  
• Increasing available dental care for children
• Reducing the need for specialist referrals

There are two unique feature of this program, explains UCHC Project Director Bina Katechia, BDS, MSc:

• Participating dentists are being trained in their own offices while treating their own pediatric patients
• Follow-up training is being tailored to the needs of each center, as identified by the dentists and staff 

The results?  "Training is being very well received by everyone involved - hygienists,  dental assistants and dentists," notes Katechia.  "Once the dentists and their staffs learn the procedures involved, their comfort levels in treating pediatric patients definitely improve." 

As a bonus, word of mouth from providers attending the training is expanding the program to include the Hartford and Stamford centers.  And, looking ahead, Katechia hopes the project can be expanded further to include all dental providers in Connecticut - maximizing available care to the state's HUSKY children.

Website: www.uchc.edu