Dr. Antonina Capurro (Dental) was quoted by the New York Times Magazine in an article that highlights the effects of the pandemic on oral health and creative solutions. She discussed the swift, innovative actions Nevada took to ensure oral health services were delivered to vulnerable citizens despite dental office closures to all but emergency procedures from March to May. The Nevada Action Network, which Capurro created in her dual role as university faculty and state dental health officer, also were highlighted. The Nevada Action Network was created to increase value-based care and disparity reversal activities through the delivery of preventive oral health services that prioritize reaching vulnerable and underserved children where they are through teledentistry dental visits and fluoride varnish home application. During the legislative interim session, the Legislative Health Care Committee entrusted Capurro with the design of teledentistry guidelines to safely deliver virtual dental services in the state. She currently is working with Sen. Julia Ratti to solidify these teledentistry guidelines as part of SB 391. Capurro, '05 BS Chemistry, '11 DMD, '12 Master of Public Health, and '16 MBA, also is an alum.
