College of Dentistry Health Fair Encourages Equitable Dental Care For Washingtonians

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The Howard University (HU) College of Dentistry, a cornerstone of care to underserved residents across the District of Columbia, is holding their free annual Health Fair on March 16 to promote dental health and wellness.  

According to the National Library of Medicine, many people do not receive the dental services they need due to inability to access services. However, untreated oral health problems often produce more serious health concerns including systemic infections, pain, difficulties in chewing food, hospitalization, and in some cases, death.  

The HU College of Dentistry aims to lessen barriers to quality dental care by focusing on educating local residents, providing free teeth cleanings and scheduling future comprehensive exams for follow-up care.

“A lot of people tend not to take care of their teeth until it’s too late and they are in a lot of pain,” said  Clifton Enlers, vice president of the College of Dentistry’s Student Council.  “We are trying to be as preventative as possible, [working] to educate our patients to let them know that this is important– this is a part of your body and a part of your overall health.”

The community health fair underscores the importance of dental hygiene and access to dental services for District residents who face common barriers to proper health care.  While the College of Dentistry services a large number of Howard students, the large majority of patients are District residents, many 55 years and older and from various wards across the city.  

Older residents often report a lack of dental education and accessible transportation as the key factors that hamper preventative measures and consistent dental care.  Howard’s dental program works to bridge the gaps in health care and widen access.

“Our biggest goal is to promote our dental school to let the people know that we are here to help,” Enlers told The Informer. “We will also have a vendor fair, too.  We have other community organizations that will help take people’s blood pressure, give them basic vital sign readings, and provide people with resources and information that they can use to benefit their daily lives.”