Expanding Reach and Impact:
Innovative Models for Dental Health in the Community
In a time when access to quality healthcare is increasingly crucial, La Clínica de La Raza is taking bold steps to address the shortage of dental professionals through its innovative DA-to-Licensure program. This initiative was born out of necessity, as the pandemic exacerbated an already existing shortfall of dental providers by shutting down many formal training programs. The community’s demand for dental care has never been higher, and La Clínica needed a solution that would not only meet this demand but also strengthen its workforce from within.
This is the first year we’ve done this program and we are excited because we get to grow our own workforce.
—Dr. Monica MacVane-Pearson, La Clínica Deputy Dental Director
The DA-to-Licensure program accomplishes this by enabling current employees and new entrants to upskill, catering to two primary groups: unlicensed dental assistants (DAs) aspiring to become Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) and those aiming to attain RDAEF (Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions) status. This forward-thinking model allows La Clínica to grow its own workforce, as explained by Dr. Monica MacVane-Pearson, La Clínica Deputy Dental Director who joined the organization after moving to the Bay Area from Canada. By training its staff to perform advanced tasks like making temporary crowns and handling a significant portion of treatments, the program frees up dentists to focus on more complex cases, thereby expanding the clinic’s ability to serve more patients.
fulfillment
The program’s curriculum is comprehensive, combining theoretical knowledge, simulated lab work, and clinical competencies, all of which culminate in real-world experience that builds both knowledge and skills. Participants not only enhance their technical abilities but also reap substantial personal and financial benefits. They can grow their skills, earn more, and find greater fulfillment in their careers. This program is particularly advantageous for individuals from diverse educational backgrounds, offering them a pathway to a rewarding career in dental care, regardless of prior formal education.
This great program allows current La Clínica employees to develop their skills further to better serve patients.
When she first walked through the doors of La Clínica as an extern in 2014, Marisol was eager to start her journey in dental care. In July 2016, she officially joined the La Clínica family as an RDA, and by 2022, she had become the Lead RDA. When La Clínica offered the opportunity to complete the RDAEF program in 2023, fully funded by the organization, she seized the chance. She saw the program not just about advancing her career; but also about deepening her commitment to the community. She successfully completed the program and passed the dental board exam and went on to serve as an RDAEF and the Lead Assistant for Monument Dental.
The program transformed her career and her ability to serve patients. Marisol sees working with La Clínica’s patient population as more than just a job; it’s a calling. She sees firsthand the immense need in the community, and being able to meet that need as a bilingual provider gives her a sense of meaning and purpose.
The DA-to-Licensure program is a win-win for the community. By empowering individuals through skill development and providing a pathway to licensure, La Clínica not only meets the immediate demand for dental care but also fosters long-term professional growth and fulfillment. The program’s impact extends beyond workforce development, enhancing patient care and addressing health disparities in underserved populations. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, dedication, and community-focused healthcare initiatives, exemplifying how targeted training can address workforce shortages and improve community health.
The community has a lot of needs, and I’m happy to be a bilingual provider who cares for them.