New York State Dental Foundation Joins Hudson Valley Community College to Bring Free Dental Services to the Capital Region with Support from St. Peters Health Partners

The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) estimates only 65.5% of adults over the age of 18 have had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year. To increase access to dental care, the New York State Dental Foundation partnered with Hudson Valley Community College and the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) to provide free dental services to the Capital Region community, made possible by a sponsorship from St. Peter’s Health Partners.

On Saturday, October 5, 136 people registered to receive critical dental care, including screenings, emergent care, x-rays, treatment diagnosis, pain management guidance, extractions as needed and more. After an initial oral health assessment, those in need of emergent care were referred to Kare Mobile dental vans on sites, which were staffed by volunteer NYSDA dentists. A Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) met with patients to ensure they left with a follow up care plan.

“Community events are a crucial piece in improving the accessibility of dental care because they allow us to meet one-on-one with patients and quickly connect them to services. There is no greater feeling than seeing someone receive the care they desperately need and have been searching for. We applaud all of our community partners, especially St. Peter’s Health Partners for its sponsorship, as this would not be possible without them,” said Dr. Maria Maranga, New York State Dental Foundation Trustee Chair.

Community dental events further highlight the importance of collaboration in improving access to dental care for the most vulnerable populations. By working together, CDHCs, HVCC students, NYSDA dentists and St. Peter’s Health Partners provided a missing link to enhance patient access to care and improve health outcomes.

“The Capital Region Community Dental Event is a day of compassion to relieve patients of discomfort and to share our continued commitment to health education and the foundational importance of good oral health,” said HVCC Dental Hygiene Department Chairperson Tammy Conway. “We were excited and honored to be a part of this event that fosters interprofessional collaboration and mentorship opportunities for our dental hygiene and dental assisting students.”

The New York State Dental Foundation is hoping to replicate this model and offer more Community Dental Events across New York State in the future, with the philanthropic support of other community stakeholders like St. Peter’s Health Partners.

​“Our Mission is to be a transforming healing presence in our communities. Being able to meet people where they are and helping to provide access to services they may not otherwise have is critical to improving the overall health in the neighborhoods where we work and live,” said Kathy DeRosa, Chief Mission Officer and vice president of Community Health and Well-being at St. Peter’s Health Partners. “We are honored to have sponsored today’s event, assisting our valued partners in their efforts to make sure everyone in our community has the resources they need to live full, healthy lives.”