TRAVERSE CITY MIGRANT WORKER DENTISTRY PROGRAM

"Students consistently give the migrant worker dentistry program high marks for the opportunities and experiences it offers."

- Robert Bagramian, D.D.S., M.P.H., Dr.P.H.

For more than twenty eight summers, University of Michigan School of Dentistry students under the guidance of Dr. Bagramian have provided oral health care to migrant workers and their families at four locations in the Traverse City, MI area, one of the nation's most fertile fruit-growing areas. The program offers a range of services including cleaning, extractions, fillings, and x-rays. Participating dental and dental hygiene students also teach adults and children about the importance of proper oral health care.

While migrant parents work during the day, their children are enrolled at summer programs in local public schools. In three schools, complete temporary dental facilities, equipped with portable x-ray machines, dental chairs, and instruments, provide dental care to children who receive little if any professional oral care during the rest of the year. In the evening, the fully-equipped Northwest Michigan Health Services (NMHS) clinic in Traverse City remains open and fully staffed to provide oral health care for the parents.

Over the six-week duration of the program, groups of eight students work for two-week rotations as clinical staff under on-site faculty supervision. In 2000, nearly 360 patients adults and children were treated. Patient visits totaled nearly 900. Dental students placed more than 500 sealants, and extracted nearly 100 teeth.

This program is one of the oldest community service learning dentistry programs in the nation. Patients appreciate the care they receive, and that the program is designed for their lifestyle. Just as importantly, UMSD's primary academic mission is served by providing a uniquely challenging clinical experience. Students consistently give the program high marks for the opportunities and experiences it offers, ensuring brisk competition among students to partake: In 2001, 56 students applied for 24 open positions. Program directors select only senior dental students in the upper level of their class, both academically and clinically, who have also demonstrated a commitment to serving others.