Bringing health care to rural and underserved populations in Washington and the region at large has long been a priority for the University of Washington. One example of the UW’s impact outside of Seattle is the School of Dentistry’s Regional Initiatives in Dental Education program.
Known as RIDE, the program just marked its 15th anniversary. Operating in conjunction with Eastern Washington University as well as the WWAMI program, it trains up-and-coming dentists to meet the needs of people who live outside of large population centers. This initiative is so urgently needed that it has received invaluable support from dental associations, community health centers, Area Health Education Centers and other stakeholders.