NHSC Dentists Improve Oral Health in New York Community

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has been providing continuity in Hudson River Healthcare's dental operations through the long-term devotion and dedication of Camille DiPaoli, D.D.S., and Clifford Hames, D.D.S., two NHSC Loan Repayment Program alumni. Both dentists finished their commitments more than 13 years ago. But they opted to remain in the community so that they could improve the dental health of the low-income, culturally diverse residents.

Hames is now director of dental services across Hudson's eight sites. DiPaoli splits her time between a private practice and her patients in Peekskill, New York, where the Hudson system is located. In addition to these "old-timers," there are three current NHSC Scholars delivering a wide range of primary health care services in the system.

When DiPaoli and Hames first arrived in Peekskill, they were confronted with a high rate of childhood dental decay. Some of the problems stemmed from the lack of fluoride in the drinking water. Thanks to efforts of Hudson River HealthCare and the State and Federal governments, there is now a school-based dental program that provides weekly fluoride rinses and onsite dental sealant application for children.

Both dentists credit NHSC for giving them a career that provided an interesting life and a chance to make a positive difference in the oral health of their patients. "There is a level of appreciation I see in patients that seems to come only in community health practices," says Hames. Putting it all in perspective, DiPaola states, "The NHSC did more than pay my loans-it gave me a life."

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