EL PASO, Texas – The Burgess family’s donation to Texas Tech Health El Paso creates a dedicated endowment for the Hunt School of Dental Medicine’s inaugural graduate fellowship in special‑needs dentistry. The fellowship will support a recent dental school graduate for one year, providing hands‑on experience caring for patients who require specialized oral‑health treatment.
Why the Fellowship Matters
Patients with complex medical conditions often face barriers to receiving proper dental care. By training dentists in the nuances of treating these individuals, the program aims to improve access, reduce health disparities, and strengthen the overall health of the community. The university notes that the new fellowship makes the Hunt School the tenth dental school nationwide to offer a post‑doctoral program focused exclusively on special‑needs dentistry.
Family Inspiration
The gift was inspired by the Burgess family’s personal experience caring for their sister, Karen, who received specialized dental treatment at the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic. Their gratitude for the care Karen received motivated the family to ensure that future patients with similar needs will benefit from highly trained professionals.
Program Structure
The selected fellow will spend a full year rotating through the clinic’s multidisciplinary teams, gaining expertise in areas such as behavior management, treatment planning for patients with developmental disabilities, and coordination with medical providers. Fellows will also have opportunities to conduct research, present findings at professional conferences, and mentor dental students.
Impact on the Community
El Paso’s growing population includes many families with children and adults who have special health needs. The fellowship directly addresses a local shortage of dentists equipped to handle these cases, aligning with Texas Tech Health’s mission to serve the region’s most vulnerable residents. Community leaders have praised the initiative as a concrete step toward better health outcomes for all.
Looking Ahead
University officials anticipate that the endowment will sustain the fellowship for years to come, attracting top talent and fostering a pipeline of specialists who will practice throughout West Texas and beyond. The program also positions Texas Tech Health El Paso as a national model for integrating dental education with comprehensive patient care.
For more information about the fellowship or to apply, interested candidates should contact the Hunt School of Dental Medicine’s Office of Graduate Education.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
