Implementation of Community-Based Dental Education: A Tale of Three Schools

Dental schools have traditionally incorporated short-term community-based experiences 
alongside school-based clinics to enrich dental students’ clinical training. These community 
placements can range from a single day to an entire year, each providing valuable real-world 
exposure. Recently, a group of new dental schools—one each in the US, UK, and Ireland—
has pioneered academic programs that are entirely focused on delivering patient care in 
community-based clinics. This innovative approach shifts the primary learning environment 
from the academic clinic to the community setting, representing a significant evolution in 
dental education.

This session will explore the community-based clinical models established by these three 
schools, outlining the processes involved in launching and sustaining such programs. 
Attendees will gain insight into the unique logistical, educational, and operational 
challenges encountered by these institutions and the strategies they employed to address 
them. The session will conclude with actionable guidance for other schools interested in 
adopting or expanding similar community-engaged clinical programs, offering practical 
steps to implementation and success.