Most New Mexicans don't have to fear going to the dentist.
That's because New Mexico has the worst patient-to-dentist ratio in the nation, said James Strohschein, acting resident director of UNM's dental residency program.
To change that, UNM Division of Dental Services was awarded an $880,000 three-year grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to start a dental residency program at UNM.
Stephen Beetstra, chief dentist of the UNM Division of Dental Services, said he was thrilled when he found out the grant was awarded.
Writing the grant last year was a three-month process.
He said the option of starting a dentist school at UNM was considered, but it was too expensive because of the equipment needed.
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Instead, they decided to start a residency program.
Beetstra said because New Mexico is ranked 49th out of 50 states for access to dental care, the state needed a program to recruit dentists, especially to rural areas. He added it will give UNM more credibility among other programs. The grant is fairly competitive, he said.
Beetstra said the University received the grant for three reasons: the Health Sciences Center has a commitment to address the oral health problem in New Mexico, there are very few options in the area, and it will serve as a vehicle to address citizens' access to care in the state.
Seven years ago, the Health Sciences Center started the UNM Division of Dental Services as part of the medical school.
Albuquerque residents rotate shifts at four UNM dental clinics.
A residency program provides further training for graduates of dental school. Clinics treat underserved populations such as medically compromised individuals and developmentally disabled individuals.
"Our patients are some of the worst of the worst," Strohschein said.
He said residency training is not required to be a dentist, but many people opt to participate in the program, because they want more training or experience.
Five residents began the program July 1.
Erika Smith, program resident, said it has a lot to offer, including the opportunity to work with the developmentally disabled, using IV sedation and going into an operating room.
"It's a top program in the nation," she said.
She was unaware the program was awarded a grant, but she said the money might help expand the program and get more equipment.
"It's the only way we can bridge the gap," Smith said. "New Mexico doesn't have dentists. It will keep people here and help with access to care."
Strohschein, who is also the adviser for the UNM Pre-Dental Society, said students in the group are required to shadow a dentist, and now that's possible. He said the residents also talk with the society about getting into dental school and their experiences.
Strohschein said the program should help recruit students to UNM.
Beetstra said he hopes to expand the program to include three more residents in the next three years.
"It's been a labor of love starting the program at UNM and finally seeing a residency program," he said.
