The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry has re-launched a unique dental clinic within the Fair Haven Retirement Community and Campus to provide essential dental care tailored specifically for senior adults. The only one of its kind in the state, the clinic satisfies dual purposes: to address the unique oral health needs of older adults and to engage future dentists in the care of medically complex patients. The clinic offers comprehensive services, from routine cleanings to complex prosthetic care, utilizing contemporary digital radiography, imaging and scanning capabilities.
Fair Haven dental clinic team with SOD Dean Geurs Sherry Campbell and Dr. Melody Jones during the re launch open house on January 16 2025.Americans are living longer and keeping their natural teeth. The U.S. population is older today than it has ever been and as the number of Americans over 65 continues to grow, the demand for specialized geriatric dental care is more urgent than ever. Poor oral health can lead to severe complications, including malnutrition, infections, and a decline in quality of life and mental well-being.
Raquel Mazer, D.M.D., an associate professor and the school’s director of community collaborations, emphasizes the clinic's mission. She says, "We are committed to improving systemic health through better oral healthcare and making dental care accessible to those who face significant barriers.”
Pointing out that dental treatment for medically complex patients requires a specialized approach, she says, “As people live longer and retain more natural teeth, the complexity of their dental treatment increases. Geriatric patients are increasingly retaining their natural teeth but suffer from serious challenges like untreated caries and periodontitis.”
Michelle Seidenfaden, D.M.D., an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Clinical & Community Sciences, has been tapped to advise, supervise and lead the coordination of care.
“This isn’t just about teeth; it’s about their overall health, keeping them able and nourished, but also about their dignity and quality of life.” - Dr. Michelle Seidenfaden
“Dr. Seidenfaden’s extensive training in the care of the medically complex patients and clinical practice makes her the perfect clinician for this program. She is a remarkable patient advocate who provides realistic, compassionate care that positively impacts the lives of these residents,” says Mazer.
In addition to providing care to a vulnerable group, the clinic is a unique space where dental students and dental assisting students participate in the care of a population they will routinely treat in their practices once they graduate.
“The clinic offers students an opportunity for hands-on technical practice and the invaluable experience of managing and coordinating the care of an older adult,” Mazer notes. "Our students learn that dentistry is not just a profession; it's a calling to make a difference in people's lives. Wellness is our focus; nourishing body and soul because seeing a patient smile confidently is a powerful reminder of why we trained to become dentists.”
The re-launch is the result of continued collaboration between Fair Haven and the UAB School of Dentistry. The clinic was a lifeline for seniors from the time it was created 2010 until early 2020, providing essential dental care beyond routine check-ups. It was closed during the pandemic and with a need for equipment replacement and lacking basic supplies, has been re-opened following major improvements and the donation of dental chairs and equipment.
One of the dental chairs in the Fair Haven Dental Clinic.Mazer, who has been at the forefront of this initiative, is the Principal Investigator and recipient of a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant that allowed for the re-fitting and re-opening of the clinic, bringing novel digital dental equipment, the use of electronic records and top-quality restorative materials.
“This clinic is the epitome of care coordination to the benefit of our patients,” says Mazer. “We are a strong team at work – from management to scheduling and care. We look forward to providing the best training for our students as we prepare them to care for a diverse group of patients and to succeed in practice.”
Crediting the partners, Mazer emphasizes that the education and clinical care goals of this project would not have been made possible without the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the HRSA funding, as well as the generosity of Henry Schein Dental and the UAB SOD Alumni Association.