Promoting Relationship Centered Community Engagement: Building Virtual Bridges Between Dental Students, LTC Seniors and Staff

Heidi Hill, Drashty Mody, Maria Matney-Foran, Samantha Burgett, Stuart Schrader, and Odette Aguirre

Oral healthcare within the elderly population may be declining, as seniors in long-term care facilities (LTCs) have less access to oral health resources. The COVID-19 pandemic increased barriers for accessing care. Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) introduced the “Elder Project” to first year dental students, connecting students with seniors and LTC staff, using the core principles of the relationship centered care (RCC) model.

Group Members

S S

Stuart Schrader

School of Dentistry

O A

Odette Aguirre

School of Dentistry