KILMARNOCK, Va. — Northern Neck-Middlesex Free Health Clinic (NNMFHC) recently welcomed Dr. Carlos S. Smith, D.D.S., M.Div., and Michelle McGregor, R.D.H., B.S., M.Ed., with the Department of Dental Public Health and Policy that collaborate with the VCU School of Dentistry for a visit to the Clinic’s Dental program.
L to R: Dr. William Owen, NNMFHC dentist; Carol Carr, RDH, NNMFHC hygienist; Alan Hays, NNMFHC dental assistant; Dr. William Broas, NNMFHC dentist; Jean Nelson, NNMFHC CEO; Michelle McGregor, R.D.H., B.S., M.Ed.; Anne Bartron, NNMFHC Policy Consultant; and Dr. Carlos S. Smith, D.D.S., M.Div.
The visit highlighted a partnership between NNMFHC and the VCU School of Dentistry that dates back more than two decades and played an important role in helping establish the Clinic’s Dental program. Today, VCU dental students in their final year perform clinical rotations at NNMFHC, gaining valuable hands-on experience while providing care to patients in a rural, safety-net healthcare setting.
For the students, the experience offers an opportunity to see aspects of dentistry they may not encounter in a private practice setting. Working at NNMFHC exposes them to rural healthcare and the opportunity to serve patients with unique needs who face significant barriers to accessing care. This experience gives students exposure to different communities and practice environments, helping them determine the type of dental practice they would like to pursue after graduation.
The Clinic also provides students with the opportunity to experience the integration of medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services under one roof. This collaborative environment gives future dental providers a broader understanding of how different areas of healthcare can work together to support the care plan for a patient.
“Having VCU dental students do rotations at our Dental Clinic is beneficial for both the students and our patients,” said Jean Nelson, CEO of NNMFHC. “They gain experience in a rural health setting, and we can maintain a fully operational 6-chair clinic. It is an important partnership that has continued to grow and make a difference for the region.”
For the past three years, satisfaction surveys have consistently reflected patient appreciation for the students and the quality of care and compassion they bring to those they serve.
NNMFHC is grateful for VCU School of Dentistry’s longstanding partnership and continued investment in the Clinic’s Dental program and the next generation of capable dental professionals.