Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is offering free dental services to victims of domestic violence who otherwise may not have access to such services.
Using a three-year, $850,000 grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, NSU's College of Dental Medicine is providing examinations, preventive services, restorations, and some dentures to victims of domestic violence, the university announced.
The free oral care services are being provided onsite at several nonprofits that help victims get back on their feet: the Lodge in Miami and Women in Distress and the Broward Addiction Recovery Center in Ft. Lauderdale.
NSU's College of Dental Medicine is using portable dental equipment to treat the women directly at the shelters. This mobile equipment allows NSU dentists to provide comprehensive checkups that fully evaluate each woman's needs. Dental residents and students are trained to handle the sensitivity of the women's needs to ensure they feel safe and comfortable throughout the course of treatment.
The dental services are also offered to the children of victims. So far, more than 107 women and their children have used the services provided by NSU dental residents and students. The grant is expected to provide dental treatment to nearly 200 women before it expires in June 2011.
"This grant program has been an incredible resource," said Mary Riedel, president and CEO of Women in Distress, in a press release. "The dental services have been beneficial on many levels. It provides our clients with an invaluable service; trains NSU dental students to care for domestic violence victims; provides our staff with another resource; and raises awareness of domestic violence."
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