Breaking Barriers to Care: Students and Faculty Serve Patients at Remote Area Medical (RAM) Event

December 5, 2025

Volunteer students, residents and faculty from the college provided dental care to underserved and uninsured members of the Columbus community during the RAM event in November. RAM brings free healthcare—including dental, vision and medical services—to those in need.

During this year’s event, dental providers saw more than 300 unique patients, performing nearly $230,000 in value of care. “Rewarding just begins to describe the experience we have providing services to those in need,” said Dr. James Cottle.

For their dedicated efforts organizing meaningful dental participation, Beth A. Chartier, BA, MPH, assistant professor-clinical in the Division of Dental Hygiene; James H. Cottle, DDS, associate professor in the Division of Dental Public Health; Leonardo Nassani, DMD, MBA, assistant professor-clinical in the Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry; and Fonda G. Robinson, DMD, FACP, associate dean for Clinic Administration, were recognized with the 2025 Ohio Dental Association Access to Dental Care Program Award.

Volunteer students, residents and faculty during the Remote Area Medical event — Volunteer students, residents and faculty from the college at the RAM event