Tele-Dentistry Impact in North Dakota's Rural Areas
GrantID: 58517
Grant Funding Amount Low: $1,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $1,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Leveraging Tele-Dentistry for Rural Access in North Dakota
North Dakota grapples with significant healthcare access challenges, particularly in its expansive rural areas. With a population density of only around 11 people per square mile, many communities experience shortages of dental care providers. A study conducted by the North Dakota Department of Health found that over 73% of residents in rural settings do not have regular access to dental care, leading to untreated oral health issues that could have severe implications for overall health.
Rural families, particularly in the western part of the state, face extraordinary travel burdens to access dental appointments. Many of these individuals are elderly or belong to lower socioeconomic backgrounds, further compounding the access issue. The geographical barriers make routine dental visits impractical, contributing to poor dental health outcomes that could easily be mitigated through targeted intervention.
This scholarship program focuses on supporting dental hygiene students to utilize tele-dentistry as a means to address these access challenges. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate program with a GPA of at least 3.5. By investing in the education of these students, the program empowers them to use tele-dentistry as a tool to reach underserved populations in remote areas.
Through tele-dentistry, dental hygiene students will provide remote evaluations, consultations, and preventive care. By establishing virtual connections with patients, students can conduct screenings and provide guidance without the patients needing to travel long distances. This innovation is crucial for North Dakota, as it helps bridge the gap created by geographical barriers and can significantly increase access to necessary dental services for residents in rural regions.
The long-term goal is to normalize tele-dentistry as part of routine dental care in North Dakota, ensuring that residents can receive preventative services and timely intervention when required. This program aims to enhance oral health outcomes by making dental care more accessible, which is particularly vital in a state where isolation can lead to healthcare neglect. By training dental hygiene students in tele-dentistry, North Dakota stands to significantly reshape its dental healthcare landscape, establishing a more equitable approach to care that serves all populations regardless of their location.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
