Overcoming Ethical and Cultural Barriers at Integrity Dental Clinic

Presenter: Jiwan Ghoseiri, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars

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During my practicum, I interned for eight weeks at the Integrity Dental Clinic in the Shady Grove area of Gaithersburg, Maryland, under the guidance of Dr. Anahita Norouzi. The clinic serves a culturally diverse, primarily low-income community with limited access to quality dental care, putting it at the center of oral health disparities. During my internship, I assisted by shadowing consultations, recording patient histories, and drafting clinical notes to ensure accurate electronic documentation. These responsibilities gave me a firsthand look at the real-world obstacles in delivering affordable, quality dental care, especially for patients constrained by restrictive insurance.

Beyond the technical side, I kept track of how cultural norms, family dynamics, and language gaps often deterred patients from seeking preventive care or following through with treatment. Recognizing these patterns deepened my understanding of how systemic issues, like Medicaid cutbacks or inadequate translation services, can lead to untreated decay and worsening periodontal disease. I also noticed how certain family attitudes or cultural beliefs might delay preventive checkups or lead patients to avoid recommended procedures. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy, culturally sensitive communication, and precise recordkeeping in earning trust and encouraging patients to stay engaged with their care.

What truly stood out was how closely dentistry ties into public health. I saw how unresolved oral infections can worsen chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, reinforcing health inequities in vulnerable communities. That realization shifted my perspective as each appointment also became a chance to confront broader health barriers and advance equity through care.