History

Since December 17, 2003, the Pascua Yaqui Health Services Division Dental Center has operated a modern, state of the art dental facility equipped with 10 dental suites which cover an array of dental therapy and dental hygiene services for clients of all ages.

The Dental Center provides services to eligible tribal members or dependent children up to age 19. Patients must complete AHCCCS/Alternate Resource screening before each annual visit. Private insurance may be used first (e.g., MetLife, Cigna, Delta, AHCCCS).

Staff include Dental Director, Office Manager, Business Assistant, 2 Patient Support Services Technicians, 10 part-time dentists, (5 whom are specialists) two hygienists, 9 dental assistants, and dental resident(s) from NYU-Lutheran Medical Center.

Recognizing we are the only clinic to serve a growing nation of 21,000 Tribal members, the Dental Center is approved as a clinical training site, utilizing student talent from across the country to keep up with the oral health demands of the Tribe. Our clinical site collaborations include, but not limited to:

• A.T. Still- Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH)
• Clinical Rotation Site Agreements established with:
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Creighton University
  • Harvard School of Dental Medicine
  • Medical School/University of South Carolina
  • Northern Arizona University (NAU)- Dental Hygiene Program– Summer Clinical Rotation
  • Pima Community College Hygiene Program, 10-Week Clinical Externship Program
  • Pima Medical Institute & Carrington College- Dental Assistant Programs & Administrative Assistant Programs
• I.H.S.- Summer Clinical Rotations
• NYU-Lutheran Medical Center- Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency

Prevention is a priority! Patients are educated on home care while they receive treatment at the Center. They are encouraged to return for routine follow-ups and regularly have topical fluoride placed for decay prevention. Students are also seen for screenings once a year and receive fluoride application at local elementary, middle and high schools. Children who attend pre-school through Illi Uusim Mahatawapo (Head Start) are also screened throughout the school year.

Tribal members residing in Maricopa County and surrounding areas will receive contract dental services through our contract providers.