Pediatric Oral Healthcare Center to Open

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) is proud to announce the opening of its new Pediatric Oral Healthcare Center. In support of a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA, HHS) grant from the federal government, the Center will serve children and patients with special needs by providing compassionate care using an innovative, collaborative approach to oral healthcare.

“The entire GSDM community is tremendously proud and excited about the opening of the Pediatric Oral Health Care Center to our School, Medical Campus, and University,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “Dr. Zavras, his colleagues and residents will do a superb job treating the children of Boston.”

The Center will be one of the first to employ a transformative, team-based pediatric dental practice. Teams of healthcare professionals committed to serving children will work together to examine and treat patients, especially those with complex problems. Using their broad expertise, the group will create a navigation plan and comprehensive assessment of what the holistic needs of that child are, and then execute that plan.

“We believe that in the future, healthcare is going to be delivered in teams,” said Dr. Athanasios Zavras, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at GSDM. “There is a large body of evidence that shows that the collaborative approach is more efficient and more effective. It provides continuity of care.”

The Center will employ a variety of cutting-edge technologies that better serve both the patient and the doctor. Soft tissue surgeries will be performed with minimal discomfort and a faster healing process using an innovative CO2 laser. The dentists can also map children’s airways using a new apparatus that uses sound (rather than x-rays), eliminating unnecessary radiation exposure. Finally, a new project has been launched to reengineer the patient treatment room to create a more child-friendly environment.

With many wonderful healthcare facilities and infrastructures located throughout Boston, the Pediatric Oral Health Care Center aims to satisfy an unmet need in the community, as well as enhance the experience of our students. “GSDM is located in a part of town where many children do not have the resources to seek appropriate care,” said Dr. Zavras, “and we hope that this new child-friendly clinic, with its new technologies, will attract children to visit the dentist as well as stimulate our residents and students to be excited about pediatric dentistry.”

Located on the first floor of GSDM, the Pediatric Oral Health Care Center will hold its opening on Friday, September 30 at 12 p.m.