Postdoctoral Training in General, Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry and Dental Hygiene - The MetroHealth System (MHS) and its Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHCLAL) Teaching Health Center is applying for HRSA-25-075 funding to enhance postdoctoral dental training and expand access to oral health care for underserved populations in Cleveland, Ohio. This initiative seeks to address critical oral health disparities by integrating dentistry with primary care, equipping dental professionals with advanced skills in public health, behavioral health, addiction medicine, and healthcare systems transformation. Project Goals and Objectives: This five-year project (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2030) aims to: 1. Expand postdoctoral training by developing a three-year program leading to both a General Dentistry certificate and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in collaboration with Kent State University. 2. Improve access to dental care in underserved communities by increasing the number of primary care dentists trained in integrated, community-based settings. 3. Enhance interprofessional collaboration between dentistry, primary care, and behavioral health by training residents in chronic disease screening, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. 4. Prepare dentists to address social determinants of health (SDOH) by embedding training in quality improvement, healthcare leadership, and practice transformation. Needs and Population Served: Cuyahoga County, particularly Cleveland’s Ohio City and Broadway neighborhoods, faces severe oral health disparities. Nearly 31% of Cleveland residents live in poverty, and many rely on Medicaid or remain uninsured. With Ohio designated as having 173 Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), there is an urgent need for primary care dentists trained to serve these vulnerable populations. Our program recruits a diverse cohort, with 75% of our residents from underrepresented minorities, many of whom continue to serve in safety-net settings post-graduation. Funding Priorities: We are requesting consideration for the following HRSA funding priorities: Priority 1 (Collaborative Projects): Partnering with Kent State University and MetroHealth’s medical residency programs to integrate dental and medical training. Priority 2 (Discipline Retention): Recruiting and training a diverse workforce with a strong commitment to serving the underserved. Priority 3 (Rural and Underserved Placement): Preparing dentists to work in community-based settings that serve Medicaid-insured and uninsured patients. Priority 4 (Special Populations): Focus on serving low-income, minority, immigrant, and medically complex patients. Priority 6 (Integration of Oral Health and Primary Care): Training dental residents in chronic disease screening and interdisciplinary care. Priority 8 (Cultural Competency and Health Equity): Ensuring residents are trained in culturally competent care and population health strategies. This project will develop a workforce of highly skilled dentists equipped to address the complex health needs of Cleveland’s most vulnerable populations. By combining postdoctoral dental training with public health education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare transformation strategies, this initiative will improve access to quality dental care and advance health equity.
