Teresa O’Daniel was passing the time, browsing health services in rural Tiptonville, Tennessee. One day, she stumbled upon a ministry that needed help after its dentist retired. Her curiosity led her to call, and the conversation turned into something bigger.
O’Daniel, a dental hygienist and assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Dentistry, discovered a need for dental care in the area. Initially, she was just visiting local schools to teach about health. However, once she learned about the community’s struggles, she saw a chance to make a real difference. With the support of colleagues and students, her efforts blossomed into a robust outreach program integrated into the dental hygiene curriculum.
In 2022, she and Dr. Kiesha Werlitz used a map to identify regions in Tennessee lacking dental clinics. They found that Lake County hadn’t had a dentist for over a decade. This sparked a commitment to reach out to patients, and now their program serves multiple locations, bringing dental hygiene students into communities that desperately need them.
The program has been impactful. Students have screened over 172 patients and provided key treatments that were previously unavailable in the area. O’Daniel emphasizes the importance of follow-up care, noting that merely screening isn’t enough. Patients need ongoing support to ensure they receive treatments and understand their health needs.
This outreach experience has transformed students’ perspectives on public health. For example, dental hygiene student Lakiyah Walker was surprised to find that some children had never visited a dentist. After her outreach visit, she felt proud that even one child left with more confidence about oral care.
At the heart of this program is a commitment to teamwork. Partnering with institutions like Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, dental hygiene students teach stroke survivors about the importance of oral health. This collaboration addresses not just dental concerns but also how oral health ties into overall recovery. Recent research highlights this connection, showing that oral health can influence recovery from conditions like strokes and Alzheimer’s disease, reinforcing the idea that effective healthcare is holistic.
Dr. Waletha Wasson, a program director, underscores the need for continuity in care. “You have to follow through to get the work done,” she says, highlighting a common gap in community health efforts.
Logistically, the outreach program requires careful planning. O’Daniel manages everything from student presentations to transportation issues. Her dedication is evident as she takes on the financial burdens herself to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
Principal Briana Mann from Margaret Newton Elementary emphasizes the value of this outreach. “These students trust us, and we can provide care in their environment,” she says—an important aspect when children are often apprehensive about dental visits.
The program also paves the way for future professionals committed to rural areas. Students are learning not just about tooth care but how to improve community health. Longitudinal studies show that early interventions in dental care lead to better outcomes in education and career opportunities.
As the program gains traction, O’Daniel and her colleagues are actively seeking partnerships to expand their impact. Word is getting out, and other counties are interested in similar initiatives. “If you hadn’t had the perfect storm of alignment,” O’Daniel reflects about her journey, “I’d still be sitting in my office staring at that map.”
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Dr. Keisha Werlitz,Dr. Waletha Wasson,Healthy Smiles Initiative,Lake County,Teresa O’Daniel
