EIOH Receives $2.1 Million to Expand Training and Public Health Initiatives

A patient in a wheelchair receives dental care on one of EIOH’s SMILEMobiles

Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) at the University of Rochester has been awarded a $2.1 million federal grant to develop a community-based training model that addresses two critical areas: significantly increase the dental care in underserved communities and effectively train and expand the dental workforce to care for people with medically complex conditions and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Over the next five years, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funds will help launch the Excellence in Clinical Education and Leadership for Specialty Dental Care (EXCEL). Key elements of the EXCEL program:

• Two-Year Dental MPH degree/Dental Public Health Residency
  In collaboration with the UR’s Department of Public Health Sciences, this enhanced residency program will integrate a Master of Public Health curriculum with clinical rotations. The program will include substantial clinical training in settings dedicated to treating vulnerable populations in the community, equipping residents with the skills to design, manage, and evaluate oral health programs and surveillance systems.
• General Dentistry Specialty Care Fellowship
  Fellows will train URMC’s Complex Care Center and Golisano IDD Institute and EIOH’s Golisano Specialty Care Clinic.
• Oral Health Resource Center
  The center will advance interprofessional education, oral‑health literacy, and culturally responsive care while addressing social determinants that drive inequities.

Dr. Sangeeta Gajendra

“EXCEL directly tackles critical workforce shortages by preparing dentists to serve in community-based organizations and high‑need areas,” said Sangeeta Gajendra, DDS, MPH, MS, EXCEL project director and EIOH professor. “Ultimately, this program will improve health outcomes and quality of life for thousands of children and adults who have too often been overlooked.”

“HRSA’s investment in our EXCEL program underscores the trust they have in Eastman Institute for Oral Health as a leader in dental education and care for people with medically complex needs,” said Eli Eliav, DMD, PhD, EIOH director. “More than 40 percent of our patients have a complex disease or medical condition that typically cannot be treated elsewhere due to a shortage of specialty care dentists.”

Dr. Eli Eliav

EIOH is the region’s largest safety‑net provider, delivering more than 190,000 patient visits annually, 65 percent of which are covered by Medicaid.

Increasing evidence links oral disease with conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. The goal of the EXCEL program is to create a sustainable model of care that can be replicated across the country. EXCEL will lead to improved access, better care, and healthier outcomes for a growing and aging population.

Dr. Adela Planerova

“This grant builds upon the enormous success that URMC has demonstrated with dental and medical collaborations and community partnerships,” Dr. Eliav added. “We’re grateful to HRSA’s commitment to help close health care gaps and advance innovative solutions.”

Working with Dr. Gajendra are Dr. Adela Planerova as assistant director and Kristin Eklin, EIOH senior strategic planner and grant writer, who will provide project management.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided financial support for this project. The award totaled $2,168,554. The contents are those of the author. They may not reflect the policies of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.