West LA Times

The UCLA School of Dentistry's Special Patient Care Clinic has secured a $4.2 million grant from the state of California to significantly expand its operations. This funding, part of the California Health Facility Financing Authority’s $47.2 million Specialty Dental Clinic Grant Program, was approved by State Treasurer Fiona Ma on February 27 and aims to enhance access to dental care for patients with special health care needs across the state.

The grant will facilitate the clinic's expansion by tenfold, making it Southern California's leading facility for treating medically compromised patients. Dr. Eric Sung, a professor of clinical dentistry at UCLA, remarked, "Securing this grant is a transformative milestone, enabling us to build and expand our facility to further address the critical needs of our most vulnerable populations."

Planned enhancements include eight new patient operatories, two of which will be located in private desensitization rooms. The current six chairs will also see an increase in available admissions slots for the school's one-year general practice residency program. Additionally, there will be new office space for faculty and resident practitioners and expanded training opportunities for D.D.S. students.

Dr. Sung expressed enthusiasm about the growth potential: “I’m energized not only by increasing our clinic’s size and capacity but by UCLA’s ability to train more residents and dental students to care for patients with special health care needs.” The expansion is expected to reduce long wait times currently faced by patients due to limited availability of services.

Funding distribution will occur through June 30, 2028, based on estimates and reimbursement requests related to the clinic's expansion project. UCLA joins other institutions in receiving grants from a pool that will support clinics in 10 counties across California.

The Specialty Dental Clinic Grant Program was established through efforts led by the California Dental Association (CDA) along with various health providers and advocacy groups. The initiative seeks to bridge gaps in dental care accessibility for patients with special health care needs.

Dr. Paul H. Krebsbach, Dean of the UCLA School of Dentistry, praised Dr. Sung and CDA advocates: “I commend Dr. Sung and CDA’s advocates for their dedication to special needs dentistry, ensuring this underserved population receives essential care through the Specialty Dental Clinic Grant Program.”

This development positions UCLA Dentistry as a leader in specialized oral health care while preparing future dentists to serve underserved communities effectively.