ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE PROGRAM AWARD: THE REMOTE AREA MEDICAL (RAM) COLUMBUS EVENT
The Remote Area Medical (RAM) Columbus event is the recipient of the 2025 Ohio Dental Association Access to Dental Care Program Award.
The Remote Area Medical (RAM) event held in Columbus was a collaborative effort between the Columbus Dental Society and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry to provide dental care at no cost to patients. The event will receive the 2025 Ohio Dental Association Access to Dental Care Program Award on Friday, Sept. 26 at the Callahan Celebration of Excellence, held in conjunction with the 159th ODA Annual Session.
RAM is a large-scale pop-up clinic that provides free medical, dental and vision care to individuals who are underserved or face barriers to accessing health services. The dental component of the clinic typically offers services such as dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, extractions and fillings, all at no cost to the patient. Care is delivered by licensed volunteer professionals including dentists, hygienists and dental assistants, often supported by dental students and dental school faculty. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. The Columbus event brought together dental professionals, faculty and students to provide care.
“What truly distinguishes this program is the educational component that benefits future dental professionals,” wrote Dr. Matthew Messina, immediate past president of the Columbus Dental Society, in his nomination letter. “Dental and dental hygiene students gained invaluable real-world experience while serving those most in need. This dual purpose of addressing immediate care needs while training the next generation of compassionate dental providers creates a sustainable model for addressing access to care challenges in Ohio.”
At the 2024 Columbus RAM event, a total of 696 patients were served, including 346 dental patients. The dental clinic performed 212 extractions, 160 fillings and 155 cleanings. The total value of care provided at the event was $365,750.
“The RAM clinic has made a tangible difference by offering high-quality dental, medical and vision care to patients who might otherwise go without due to cost, lack of insurance, or geographic barriers,” said Dr. Leonardo Nassani, assistant professor – clinical and assistant dean for digital dentistry and advanced technology at Ohio State. “Many patients report not having seen a dentist in years. The care provided, whether it is relieving pain through an extraction or restoring function with a filling, has an immediate and lasting impact. Beyond the individual procedures, the clinic raises awareness about oral health and connects patients with resources that may support longer-term care.”
Volunteers at the dental clinic included 15 dental and dental hygiene faculty members from OSU College of Dentistry, 93 dental and dental hygiene students, 10 community dentists, nine dental hygienists and seven dental assistants.
Students volunteered with patient registration, setting up and organizing clinic space, managing flow, and supporting providers during procedures. Dental students also provided care under the direct supervision of dental school faculty.
“The most rewarding part is being able to serve those who need it most,” said Dr. James Cottle, associate professor – clinical and director of community education and outreach at Ohio State. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the direct impact that care has on a patient’s comfort, confidence and well-being. Just as meaningful is watching dental students engage with the community and develop a deeper sense of professional purpose. It’s often a transformative experience for them, one that shapes how they view access to care and their role in addressing health disparities.”
The college began participating in the Columbus RAM event in 2024. With the college’s participation, they were able to serve more than double the number of patients in 2024 compared to 2023.
Cottle and Nassani agreed that “events like RAM serve as powerful reminders of why we choose this profession — to heal, to help, and to advocate. They bridge the gap between education and empathy, between clinical skill and social responsibility. We believe RAM clinics not only bring care to those who need it, but also shape future dental professionals who are more aware, more compassionate, and more committed to equity in healthcare.”
The event was organized by Cottle; Nassani; Elizabeth Chartier, RDH, MPH, assistant professor – clinical; and Dr. Fonda Robinson, professor and associate dean, clinic administration and patient care.
The ODA’s Access to Dental Care Program Award honors an outstanding program that helps reduce the access to care problem in Ohio by offering free or reduced fee dental care to underserved populations.
