Featured Community Collaborations
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry collaborates with community organizations, healthcare providers, government agencies, and educational institutions to address oral health needs and advance health equity throughout Maryland. Through faculty-led initiatives and long-standing community partnerships, UMSOD supports oral health education, preventive services, workforce development, and innovative models of care that improve access for underserved populations.
These collaborations provide meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage with communities while addressing critical oral health challenges. Together, these efforts strengthen communities, expand access to care, and advance UMSOD's mission of improving the health and well-being of Maryland residents.
Mission of Mercy
UMSOD students, faculty, and staff participate in Mission of Mercy events across Maryland, providing free dental care to individuals who face barriers to accessing oral healthcare. These large-scale community clinics offer preventive, restorative, and urgent dental services while providing students with valuable experiential learning opportunities. Through faculty mentorship and interprofessional collaboration, participants help improve access to care for underserved populations while gaining a deeper understanding of oral health disparities and community needs.
Special Olympics Maryland
Through a longstanding partnership with Special Olympics Maryland, UMSOD faculty and students provide oral health screenings, oral hygiene education, preventive services, and custom-fitted mouthguards for athletes. This collaboration promotes oral health and wellness while helping students develop skills in providing compassionate, inclusive care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Prenatal Oral Health Program
The Prenatal Oral Health Program connects pregnant patients with oral health education, referrals, and dental care. In partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Maryland Department of Health, and community organizations, the program promotes the importance of oral health during pregnancy while helping families access needed services. Through education, outreach, and care coordination, the program advances health equity and supports healthier outcomes for mothers and families throughout Maryland.
Planet Smilez
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry and Planet Smilez partner to provide the Discovering Dentistry Symposium, an interactive program designed to introduce high school students to careers in oral health and healthcare. Through hands-on activities, mentorship, and engagement with dental students, faculty, and oral health professionals, participants gain exposure to the field of dentistry and learn about educational pathways to oral health careers.
By creating opportunities for career exploration and experiential learning, the partnership helps increase awareness of oral health professions, inspire future healthcare leaders, and support the development of a diverse and talented oral health workforce.
