University of Louisville opens new dental clinic inside Goodwill Opportunity Center

The University of Louisville's School of Dentistry has opened a dental clinic within the Goodwill Opportunity Center, which itself is a community resource center for members of the majority African American neighborhoods within the west part of the city of Louisville, Kentucky. The Goodwill Opportunity Center houses, along with the dental clinic, medical care services, youth mentoring services, workforce training, and restorative justice services.

According to an article on the University of Louisville’s website, Gerry Bradley, who is the former dean of the School of Dentistry and the current Vice President and University Provost at the University of Louisville, said that the new dental clinic will provide opportunity for students and community alike. Of the benefits to School of Dentistry students, Bradley said, “For the School of Dentistry, the definition of student success means entering the workforce as a competent, confident dental professional who practices evidence-based patient care, leads with compassion and has a purpose-driven, service-oriented mindset.”

The Goodwill Opportunity Center, which is located at 28th and Broadway in Louisville, is expected to serve roughly 50,000 people annually. Many of those people may be seeking dental care from the University of Louisville dental clinic, as according to a Wallethub study, the state of Kentucky ranks 43rd in the country when it comes to dental health. The dental clinic will seek to serve individuals who are lacking in dental care, including those without dental insurance.

The dental practice will help better the west Louisville community by providing needed services to residents, and allowing University of Louisville School of Dentistry students the opportunity to practice their dental care skills and go on to become proficient dental health care providers in the city.

Dental care is an important part of overall health and an individual’s quality of life. According to Margaret Hill, who is serving as the interim dean for the School of Dentistry, “People looking to enter the workforce and progress in their careers can be aided by taking care of oral health, which can help restore overall health and build confidence, both of which can be barriers to moving forward.”

For more information about the University of Louisville, visit the school’s website.