The West Virginia University School of Dentistry in Morgantown is using a $50,000 grant to expand its pediatric dental clinic and launch a residency program to expand care in the state, the Morgantown News reported Oct. 22.
The dental school received the grant from the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health.
The school will double the size of its pediatric clinic to enhance care and education as the state sees an increase of pediatric patients in need of emergency and comprehensive dental care while facing a shortage of pediatric dentists.
Renovation plans for the clinic include separate rooms to accomodate children with sensory issues, wheelchairs, specialized equipment and caregiver assistance. It will allow the school to treat about 116 patients per week, an increase of 77 patients, while increasing its capacity for sedation cases and treatment for low-income and underserved patients.
The renovation is expected to be completed by July 2023, when the school will launch its new pediatric dentistry residency program, which the school is currently seeking accreditation for.