Dental Education Outreach Network (DEON)
Community-Based Dental Training Programs
The Dental School Mission and Goals (Education, Research, Patient Care, and Service) are consistent with those of UT Health San Antonio, with a focus on South 91°µÍø. Consequently, the provision of our dental education program includes community-based clinical training for students and residents at affiliated sites in South 91°µÍø, which are primarily located in Dental Health Profession Shortage Areas in 91°µÍø and Licensed DDS per 100,00 population/91°µÍø table.
Through the Dental Education Outreach Network (DEON), consisting of affiliated training sites, community-based training is provided under the supervision of dental school faculty/adjunct faculty in a variety of areas: primary care, hospital-based care, oral surgery care, alternative dental care delivery (mobile van/portable equipment) programs, preventive dentistry, special patient care, and school-based programs.
These community-based training experiences enhance the students' ability to provide primary dental care and to manage a diverse patient population and function successfully in a multicultural work environment.
Currently, the School of Dentistry has numerous affiliation agreements/partnerships with community & migrant health centers in South 91°µÍø, city/county health departments, other faith-based non-profit clinics, hospitals, school districts, Head Start Centers, homeless shelters, and Indian Health Service facilities. The DEON-affiliated training sites also provide the opportunity for our dental students to interact with varying demographic groups, including Spanish-speaking patients in a variety of settings and locations.
You may also view information regarding required rotations for dental students (table / descriptions).