In this episode, Michel Schneider, President of the California State Rural Health Association, alongside her board colleague Elena Francisco, speaks with Dr. Elisa Chávez, a Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. They discuss the significance of collaboration and partnership in improving access to oral healthcare for vulnerable groups in California, especially among older adults. 

Dr. Chavez shares insights on the impact of dental students' firsthand experiences in rural settings, emphasizing the need for basic oral health care awareness among these communities. The discussion touches on teledentistry and its role in expanding access to dental care, the importance of oral health in overall well-being, and strategies for community engagement and resource sharing to tackle unmet dental needs.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Dr. Elisa Chavez's background and work at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
• Addressing oral health in vulnerable populations
• Dental students' a-ha moments and rural health initiatives
• The importance of basic oral health and access to care
• Exploring teledentistry and its impact
• Older Americans Month and oral health initiatives
• Collaboration and community engagement in oral health

Connect with Us: 

• On Facebook | @csrha.advocate
• On Twitter | @CSRHA1 and @CSRHApodcast
• Visit our website | csrha.org
• Email Address | podcast@csrha.org
• University of the Pacific Degoni School of Dentistry | https://dental.pacific.edu/dental
• Connect with Dr. Chávez on LinkedIn!
• Older Americans Month | acl.gov/oam/2024/older-americans-month-2024

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.