09/09/2026
Request for Proposals (RFP): Dental Volunteer Partnership Program
Issuing Organization: Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) – Schuylkill and Carbon Counties
Project Title: Academic Dental Volunteer & Clinical Rotation Partnership
Release Date: September 9, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: November 6, 2026
1. Executive Summary & Objective
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties invites accredited dental schools and university dental hygiene programs to submit proposals for a collaborative clinical partnership. The primary objective of this initiative is to establish a structured pipeline for faculty, volunteer dentists, dental residents, and dental hygiene students to provide pro bono oral health care to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured residents of the Schuylkill and Carbon County region.
This partnership seeks to address critical oral health disparities in our rural communities while offering dental and hygiene students valuable, hands-on clinical and community-based public health experience.
2. Organization Background
Volunteers in Medicine operates on the core philosophy that health care is a matter of human dignity. We provide free, high-quality medical, social, and preventive health services to community members who fall through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system—those who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid yet cannot afford commercial insurance or out-of-pocket dental care.
With expanding collaborative networks across the region, VIM is dedicated to integrating comprehensive wellness models that bridge primary medical care and oral health.
3. Scope of Partnership & Services
VIM is seeking academic partners to support and staff our oral health initiatives. Depending on the institution's capacity, the scope of collaboration may include one or more of the following models:
Clinical Volunteer Staffing: Licensed faculty dentists and practicing alumni volunteering clinical hours in VIM facilities.
Student Rotation Site: Establishing VIM as an approved community-based clinical rotation or externship site for senior dental students and final-year dental hygiene students under appropriate faculty supervision.
Mobile & Preventative Outreach: Collaborating on preventative care pop-ups, screenings, and oral health education workshops coordinated with regional health networks and community coalitions.
Scope of Care: Primarily focused on preventative care (cleanings, sealants, exams), basic restorative treatments (fillings), and urgent pain-relief extractions, tailored to VIM clinic capabilities.
4. Proposal Requirements
Interested dental and dental hygiene schools should submit a comprehensive proposal addressing the following elements:
1. Institution Profile: Overview of the dental/hygiene school, accreditation status, and existing community engagement or rural health initiatives.
2. Proposed Partnership Model: Clear outline of how the institution envisions participating (e.g., faculty volunteer deployment, student clinical rotations, mobile clinic support, or a hybrid model).
3. Staffing & Supervision Structure: Details on how clinical supervision, liability coverage, and credential verification will be managed for participating faculty and students.
4. Scheduling & Logistics: Proposed cadence for participation (e.g., weekly, monthly, semester-long rotations, or episodic volunteer drives) and anticipated cohort sizes.
5. Educational Alignment: Brief description of how this partnership aligns with the school's public health or community dentistry curriculum objectives.
6. Key Personnel: Designation of a primary administrative contact and a clinical director overseeing the partnership.
5. Timeline & Key Dates
RFP Issuance: September 9, 2026
Inquiries & Clarification Period: September 9, 2026 – October 16, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: November 6, 2026
Evaluation & Interviews: November 9 – November 20, 2026
Partner Selection & Notification: December 4, 2026
Target Program Launch: Winter/Spring 2027 Term
6. Submission Guidelines & Contact Information
Please submit proposals electronically in PDF format via email with the subject line "RFP Proposal – Dental Partnership [Institution Name]".
Primary Contact:
Robert Alonge, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteers in Medicine – Schuylkill and Carbon Counties
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 570-617-4620
Inquiries regarding clinic site specifications, equipment capabilities, or preliminary site visits are welcomed during the clarification window.