Photo by Doug Travis

In September, 1993, IUSD entered into an agreement with People's Health Center that is directed toward providing dental services for people in Indianapolis who are homeless.  Fourth-year dental and second-year dental hygiene students are assigned to work at the clinic, which is located near downtown. Comprehensive dental services are offered for an underserved population through this program while broadening the educational experience for students. More than 1,500 patient visits have been provided since the program's inception. 

In conjunction with the People's Dental Clinic Program for People Who are Homeless, students and faculty participate in the annual Indianapolis Shelter Health Fair and the Dental Blitz.  Through the health fair oral screenings, people who are in urgent need of dental services are identified and given an opportunity to received dental care on a Saturday following the health fair.  Volunteer dental personnel staff the People's Dental Clinic to provide dental care in an event called the "Dental Blitz".  Dr. Jennifer Kugar, long-time Director of People's Dental Clinc, initiated this volunteer program.  Other health fair participants who are found to be in need of routine dental care may receive services provided by IUSD students on Thursday afternoons at the People's Clinic Homeless Program, through referral by the Homeless Initiative Program.