���Ϲ�

The little girl needed one more thing before she could start kindergarten: a dental exam. 

Her backpack was ready. The paperwork was almost complete. But, without that appointment, school would have to wait. 

By the end of the clinic day at the Sofia and David Konikoff Dental Hygiene Care Facility at ���Ϲ�, the requirement was met. The dental hygiene student, who treated her, cried. So did the girl’s mother. 

That’s the kind of day the Martin Trust just invested in. 

A $25,000 grant from the Martin Trust will support pediatric preventive dental hygiene care services led by the Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at ���Ϲ�, in partnership with HOPES Clinic Esperanza and led by Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Community-Engaged Learning at ���Ϲ�. 

Twice a year, the dental hygiene school — part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at ���Ϲ� — transforms a clinic day into something bigger. More than 50 volunteers from dental hygiene, Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at ���Ϲ� and the University’s department of world languages and cultures come together to provide exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants to children from across Hampton Roads. 

Lauren Eusner, director of clinical affairs in the Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at ���Ϲ�, coordinates the effort alongside Jessica Suedbeck, director of clinical education and innovation. Medical students from HOPES help schedule and confirm appointments. Faculty dentists and licensed dental hygienists supervise every student volunteer. Translators move between chairs. 

“It’s an eye-opening experience for students,” Director Eusner said. 

For dental hygiene students, pediatric experience can be one of the more challenging clinical education requirements to meet. They must complete specific competencies in radiography and sealants, as well as demonstrate care across cultures and languages. This clinic allows them to meet those standards while serving children who might otherwise go without preventive care. 

Luis Guadano, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of world languages and cultures, helps promote the clinic and calls past patients to remind them of upcoming dates. Many patients return from early childhood into adolescence.

“We’ve seen them grow up,” Director Suedbeck said.  

The need doesn’t disappear when the clinic closes for the day. 

“A lot of the patients need more care than we can provide that day, “Director Eusner said. 

The Martin Trust funding helps close that gap. It will expand translation services, cover supplies not fully met through donations and help address barriers, such as prescription costs or transportation. The Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at ���Ϲ� is also exploring bringing a social worker into future clinic days to help families navigate follow-up care and connect with ongoing services. 

Faculty and staff will continue to secure donated products and write-off services. During the fall clinic alone, the team provided $2,600 in donated services. The grant provides stability and allows the program to grow.

This work sits at the center of Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ���Ϲ� — education, care and community woven together. Parents who bring their children often schedule appointments for themselves after seeing the care provided. Dental hygiene students leave with more than completed requirements. They leave with perspective. 

When graduating students are asked to name the most meaningful part of their time at the University, many point back to these pediatric clinic days. 

The Martin Trust’s investment ensures clinic days continue, and that the next child who needs a barrier removed, has a place to go.