http://dental.tufts.edu/1176295338102/TUSDM-Page-dental2ws_1185977820549.html

http://dental.tufts.edu/1176295338102/TUSDM-Page-dental2w_1185977820553.html

http://dental.tufts.edu/1176988223986/TUSDM-Page-dental2w_1185977870699.html

http://dental.tufts.edu/1185977870699/TUSDM-Page-dental2w_1185977870909.html

Tufts University - Index

Tufts University - Tufts University TUSDM Beyond Boundaries Case Statement - Index

8
EXPAND COMMuNITY
OuTREACH
E d u c a t i o n a l P r o g r a m s ,
A c c e s s t o C a r e
Approximately 80 percent of dental disease
exists in 20 percent of the population, who
are characterized as poor, underserved,
and having special needs. For them,
TUSDM has long been a safety net of
dental care. With state budget deficits
leading to cuts in dental benefits, the
safety net we provide has become
increasingly critical. Generous support
will enable us to continue providing this
comprehensive patient care. In addition,
offering this care provides a full and diverse
clinical experience, teaches students the
responsibility of caring for the underserved,
and maintains a balanced budget based on
affordable clinical fees or subsidized care.
Specifically, each year, some 16,000 patients
seek out TUSDM for quality clinical care.
TUSDM also brings oral health services
to low-income populations and offers
community outreach services in more
than 21 externship sites. In addition, the
Tufts Dental Facilities for Persons with
Special Needs now includes eight satellite
clinics that serve 15,000 patients each
year. Other efforts include a pioneering
program serving area victims of domestic
abuse. Tufts’ record of broad community
service remains as strong as ever; continued
funding is required to maintain these
critical activities, serving those in need.
ENHANCE THE
STuDENT EXPERIENCE
S t u d e n t F i n a n c i a l A i d
Demand for admission is stronger than
ever, yet we are aware that numbers
alone do not make a successful dental
class. Bringing the most gifted pool of
students together to prepare for their
careers in dentistry is our goal. However,
the dramatic escalation in the cost of a
dental education leaves many qualified
candidates without the resources to join
us; of those who are able to attend, 75
percent graduate with a significant debt
load. While this is a problem experienced
nationwide, we remain committed to
bringing the most talented and capable
students to Tufts, regardless of their
ability to pay. Increasing our endowment
and scholarships for academic merit
will reduce student indebtedness and
will ensure that our graduating classes
are truly the best in the nation.
SuPPORT CuRRENT
INITIATIVES
T h e T u f t s D e n t a l F u n d
For TUSDM, annual giving creates the
difference between the adequate and
the exceptional. Annual gifts collectively
provide critical resilience against unknown
contingencies and stabilize day-to-day
operations. Funds go directly into the
operating budget, providing unrestricted,
current-use dollars that immediately
support teaching and learning. We
invite participation at all levels.