ADA describes excellent IHS student outreach

Washington鈥擨ndian Health Service dental recruiters “have conducted an excellent campaign to attract dental students to participate in their summer extern program as a way to introduce them to the service,” the Association told the House Appropriations Committee.

Testimony: Dr. Mark Walker, chair of the ADA Council on Government Affairs, testifies April 15 before a House appropriations subcommittee discussing oral health issues of Native American children. Dentist/Rep. Mike Simpson looks on. (Photo by Bill Geiger)

“Thanks to this committee’s recognition of the success of this program we expect that the IHS will be able to place up to 240 applicants this summer.” The IHS received applications from 322 dental students representing 49 dental schools in 2008 and had funding to place 120 students.

The ADA supports the IHS extern program with travel support for second-year dental students who assist the externs, introducing even more students to career opportunities serving Native Americans.