North Carolinians with oral health complications and potentially struggling to meet basic needs now have access to virtual services from UNC medical specialists and social workers. The telehealth services, provided by the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and the UNC School of Social Work, were launched earlier this month following the closure of dental clinics on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The services ensure that all patients, especially those who are at higher risk for illnesses, continue to have access to an oral medicine doctor without having to leave the comfort of their own homes, said Jamie Burgess-Flowers, a social work clinical assistant professor and dentistry faculty member. Currently, clinic appointments are conducted via zoom meetings twice a week.

A team of social work educators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is helping ensure county departments of social services (DSS) across North Carolina have access to essential training for their employees.

The Family and Children’s Resource Program (FCRP), part of the UNC School of Social Work, has partnered with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Social Services for many years to provide child welfare workforce training required by state legislation. Until recently, most required training was delivered in person. After the onset of COVID-19, FCRP helped NCDHHS create online training options for approximately 1,000 DSS employees across the state — all within the span of two weeks.