The Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ)’s Faculty of Medicine (FM) has introduced a new initiative, Smiles with special care, designed to provide specialized dental care to cancer patients.This program addresses a critical need within this vulnerable population while simultaneously offering invaluable educational opportunities for dental students.

A Dual Commitment: Patient Care and Student Education

The Smiles with special care program serves a dual purpose.It not only provides essential dental services to cancer patients but also allows students to understand the importance of their role as oral health professionals. This hands-on experience fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy,shaping well-rounded future practitioners.

University Leadership Emphasizes Program’s Importance

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Rodrigo Miguel gonzález Sánchez, director of the FM, underscored the pioneering nature of this effort, highlighting the team behind it as a pioneer in the country to provide care of this nature. He also emphasized its training impact within the university community, noting that it strengthens the university’s commitment to vulnerable populations and reinforces the importance of the human aspect of medical education.

Addressing Specialized Needs at Accessible Costs

Rubén Barboza Plascencia, the project coordinator, explained that cancer patients often require more specialized dental observation due to the disease’s implications. Smiles with special care aims to bridge this gap by providing quality services at accessible costs for those who have recently been diagnosed, as well as those that are already in oncological procedure.

Expanding social Health Initiatives

Dr. María de Lourdes Arvizu Valencia, Coordinator of the Bachelor and Postgraduate in Dentistry of the FM, expressed pride in the program’s alignment with other fundamental social health initiatives, such as assistance for lip and palate clefts and sleep disorders. She stated that these actions contribute to training human resources with a high sense of collective commitment.

Accessing the Program: How to apply

Individuals interested in accessing the Smiles with special care program should visit the UAQ dental clinic, located in Ignacio Zaragoza, Prados de la Capilla. The request process involves filling out a form and providing a medical diagnosis, along with any relevant treatment documents. Students and teachers conduct an initial assessment to determine the appropriate course of action.