U Of Bridgeport School Of Dental Hygiene Recognized In Teledentistry

Press release from University of Bridgeport:

Feb. 22, 2023

University of Bridgeport is pleased to announce Fones School of Dental Hygiene was recognized at the fifth annual Teledentistry Innovation Awards (“The Tellies”) as a telehealth pioneer in dentistry. The award was presented by MouthWatch, LLC, an industry leader in teledentistry solutions.

Dr. Jennifer Boyce, DMD, Associate Director of Clinical Affairs for Fones School of Dental Hygiene accepted the award for Education Institution Innovation winner on behalf of the school and its outstanding use of teledentistry to provide free dental care to patients in the school’s surrounding communities and to prepare the next generation of dental professionals for the growing use of telehealth.

“This award is truly an honor for the Fones School of Dental Hygiene” said Dr. Boyce. “It puts a spotlight on the extraordinary work we do in the community as well as the incredible work our hygienists are doing at the forefront.”

The Fones School of Dental Hygiene, the first school of dental hygiene in the world, received a $225,000 grant in November 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan to help improve access to oral health care for Bridgeport residents. This grant enables the school to add a clinical rotation experience for students in teledentistry and mobile dentistry. Students have since provided care to children, the homeless, senior citizens, veterans, and pregnant women throughout the Bridgeport area.

“The significance of our virtual and mobile oral care community outreach is about access,” said Dr. Boyce. “For the people we serve in the surrounding communities, it’s not about getting the care, it’s about getting to the care. Whether it’s related to transportation or just being unable to take time off from work, our ability to bring the care to people is life-changing, because at the end of the day dental care is healthcare.”

The Tellies help drive visibility for individuals and organizations positively impacting the communities they serve by successfully implementing teledentistry as part of their patient care model.

"The Fones School of Dental Hygiene, led by Dr. Boyce, and her efforts to expand access to dental care through the use of teledentistry, is a shining example of how when an academic institution combines passion with technology to connect with its community, everyone wins," said MouthWatch Founder and CEO, Brant Herman.

This press release was produced by University of Bridgeport. The views expressed here are the author's own.