Ketarya Hunt-Bass, director of Community Outreach Programs in the Office of Student Affairs and Alumni at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG), has focused her career on improving public health through oral health initiatives. Since joining Augusta University in 2007, Hunt-Bass has worked to connect people with resources and organizations that support community well-being.
“When I started my position with Augusta University, DCG wanted a public health consultant who could manage new grant initiatives to help increase Georgia’s oral health workforce. I was tasked with introducing dental students to public health practice and organizations that promoted dental care for the whole community, regardless of a person’s socioeconomic status. This effort was aligned with my interest, and the very reason I chose this profession, to help people achieve optimal health,” said Hunt-Bass.
She believes that good oral health is essential for overall wellness and has spent nearly two decades working to promote awareness, particularly among underserved communities in Georgia. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Excellence in Community Engagement Staff Award in 2024.
“It is an honor to be recognized for my concerted effort to promote public health awareness in oral health care,” Hunt-Bass said. “I have dedicated 19 years to championing public health in dentistry and bringing awareness to the underserved Georgia dental communities for nearly 2,000 dental students.”
Community outreach is integrated into the DCG curriculum, requiring students to participate in activities such as school visits and local events where they distribute oral hygiene supplies. The Senior Dental Clerkship Program allows senior dental students to work with providers in rural or medically underserved areas across Georgia. These experiences give students clinical training while serving vulnerable populations; some graduates are later employed at sites where they completed their clerkships.
Hunt-Bass’s award is one of five given annually by Augusta University: Excellence in Community Engagement Faculty Award, Excellence in Community Engagement Undergraduate Student Award, Excellence in Community Engagement Graduate Student Award, Outstanding Community Partner Award, and Excellence in Community Engagement Staff Award. The awards recognize individuals or groups who further AU’s mission by forming partnerships that address community needs and enhance civic engagement.
Nominations for the 2025-26 cycle are open until Friday, Jan. 23 at 5 p.m., through the Office of Community Engagement.
