BOSTON — Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), a national senior services provider, and Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) have finally made it official. The two organizations signed a new affiliation agreement designed to provide top-notch dental care for patients at Hebrew SeniorLife. In addition, a primary goal of the affiliation is to expand on HSL’s commitment to teaching by offering more training to the next generation of dentists in the art and science of Geriatric Dental Medicine.
Helen Chen, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at HSL said, “This collaboration is a win-win for both GSDM students and the patients at HSL. It ensures that our seniors get exceptional dental care, and that GSDM students have the opportunity to learn important skills in Geriatric Dental Medicine.” GSDM and HSL have a long history of working together to provide excellent dental care to HSL seniors. Dr. Joseph Calabrese, GSDM Director of Geriatric Dental Medicine, has cared for patients at HSL several times a week for 20 years. However, this will be the first time that GSDM will oversee the clinical operation at HSL, which will allow for increased opportunities to train dental students along with an increased number of available appointments for the patients.
“We are so proud of our partnership with Hebrew SeniorLife. GSDM will continue to provide the best oral health care to the patients we have the privilege of treating at HSL, while also bringing excellence to the educational experience of our students in Geriatric Dental Medicine,” said Dr. Jeffrey W. Hutter, GSDM Dean.
While geriatric dentistry is not a recognized specialty, it does present its own set of unique challenges and techniques. With this new affiliation agreement, BU dental students will have more mandatory geriatric rotations at HSL, and will have the opportunity to spend more time with senior patients.
Dental services are available to patients in Long Term Chronic Care at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center on both the Dedham and Roslindale campuses.
About Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL)
Hebrew SeniorLife is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit, non-sectarian organization today provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.
About Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM)
Founded in 1963 under the leadership of Dr. Henry M. Goldman, GSDM is a premier academic dental institution promoting excellence in dental education, research, oral health care, and community service to improve the overall health of the global population. More information about GSDM can be located on their website at www.bu.edu/dental, follow us on Twitter @budental, or like us on Facebook at budental.