A collaboration between
faculty, residents, students, and volunteers, Tom Waddell Health Center
/ UCSF Community Health Clinic has been working to improve the health
of homeless San Franciscans for over a decade.
The philosophy of the
Dental Clinic is to motivate patients to seek healthcare and to prevent
dental disease through education and preventive dentistry. The Dental
Clinic is guided by three mutually supportive sets of aspirations:
.....For
the clients
To provide oral
health education, referrals, and treatment. To make a positive impact
on the lives of the homeless people.
.....For
the students
To create a setting
in which students can learn, teach, and practice clinical skills.
To cultivate sensitivity and comfort in interactions with the underserved
population.
.....For
the Community
To use the Dental
Clinic as a forum for education and health care service. To promote
advocacy for the needs of this population.
Ultimately, we hope this
experience will broaden our vision and make us more able and compassionate
health care providers for any population we choose to serve.
