The University of Southern Maine Foundation (USMF) is pleased to announce that the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation has awarded a $2,000 grant to support Bridging Gaps in Oral Health: College-Based Dental Supplies and Education Initiative at the University of Southern Maine (USM).
The grant will support a collaborative effort between USM Health Services, the USM Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry, and the University of Maine at Augusta’s Dental Health Hygiene program to expand access to oral hygiene supplies and provide hands-on oral health education to students.
The initiative addresses a growing need among college students, many of whom face financial pressures and food insecurity that can contribute to poor oral health outcomes. Through interactive workshops, outreach events, and distribution of free oral hygiene kits, the program aims to reduce barriers to preventive care and improve overall student wellness.
Programming includes campus-wide oral health drop-in workshops held in high-traffic locations on the Portland and Gorham campuses, delivered in partnership with UMA Dental Health faculty and students. Participants will learn about brushing and flossing techniques, preventive care timelines, and nutrition tips for oral health, and receive oral health supply kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.
“This grant allows us to meet students where they are,” said Shelley Coull, PT, DPT Director of USM Health Services. “Oral health is deeply connected to overall physical and mental wellbeing. By removing financial barriers and offering practical, personalized education, we are helping students protect their health, stay focused on their studies, and build habits that will serve them for a lifetime.”
Oral health supplies will also be distributed through the USM Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry and at Health Services appointments, ensuring support reaches students with the greatest need.
Dr. Tricia Spearin, RDH, CDA, EFDA, EdD, Dental Health faculty member at the University of Maine at Augusta and partner in the initiative, emphasized the collaborative impact of the program. “This partnership gives our dental health students meaningful, community-based learning experiences while directly supporting USM students,” Spearin said. “Education and access go hand in hand. When we combine evidence-based oral health education with tangible resources, we empower students to take charge of their wellbeing.”
The program will track participation and knowledge gains to measure impact and inform future expansion. The initiative is designed as a pilot with potential for long-term integration into campus health services.
“We are grateful to the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation for recognizing the importance of preventive oral health in higher education,” said Erin Macey, Executive Director of Development at the USM Foundation. “Their investment strengthens our ability to support students’ academic success by addressing foundational health needs.”