A grant for $2,450 from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (nccPA) Health Foundation will help Arcadia University’s Physician Assistant (PA) program provide oral health care to underserved communities in the Riobamba region of Ecuador this spring. The financial assistance will be used to purchase toothbrushes, toothpaste, fluoride varnish, and educational materials.

Students, alumni, and faculty members in the PA program, along with other healthcare professionals, will conduct dental screenings, apply fluoride varnish, distribute hygiene packs, and give interactive education sessions on toothbrushing and nutrition using puppet demonstrations and visual models.

“As healthcare providers, we are called to serve communities in need and provide compassionate, meaningful care,” Dr. Erin Wolf, Physician Assistant program director and lead on the project, said. “We look forward to delivering oral health services and education that fosters lasting change within the Riobamba community, while continuing to grow as educators and students.”

“The commitment to providing preventive oral health care for underserved communities in Ecuador is admirable,” Dr. Dawn Morton-Rias, president and CEO of nccPA, said. “I hope the experience will encourage continued outreach, serve as a model for others, and advance shared goals of integrating oral health as part of overall health.”

The PA program is partnering with MEDLIFE, a non-profit organization in the medical field, for the fifth year to support underserved communities that lack access to basic medical and dental care. Approximately 40 students and alumni, four faculty members, and two external healthcare professionals will be part of the group traveling to Ecuador from May 2 to 9.

Leading up to the trip, the group will focus heavily on education and culture readiness, according to Wolf. This includes training in cultural competence and cultural humility, an overview of the historical and social context of Ecuador, and education on common medical conditions and health challenges faced by community members. The preparation will ensure care is being delivered with respect, awareness, and an understanding of local health beliefs, barriers, and priorities.

“We hope that each community member will come away with an increased awareness of oral hygiene and nutrition, improved access to preventive services, and strengthened referral connections to local dental professionals,” Wolf said.