Health Insurance
The WLHSDM does not provide health insurance for its students or their dependents but all students are required to maintain health insurance throughout their four years of dental school. Any medical bills incurred by an uninsured student will be their financial responsibility. TTUHSC El Paso offers medical, dental, and vision health insurance through a third party affiliate, Academic Health Plans, see https://ttuhscep.myahpcare.com/enrollment
All of our TTUHC El Paso clinics, El Paso community clinics in which students will obtain training, also require each student be covered by health insurance as well. Clinic personnel may ask you for proof of coverage at any time. Students will be denied access to clinical experiences if not covered by health insurance.
Disability Insurance
As part of your required fees, the school provides long term disability insurance through Dearborn National. If a medical condition arises that may cause you to be disabled. Please contact the Office of Student Services to file for the disability under this plan. Call them at 915-215-4370 or email at elp.studentservices@ttuhsc.edu
Medical Care - Hague Clinic
This clinic is for students needing acute or chronic medical care. Student Health Fees provide access to diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic health services. The clinic is located at 125 W Hague road, Suite 340 El Paso, Texas 79902 call (915) 215-5810 for an appointment. Please see brochure for services covered https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/som/studentAffairs/_documents/Student%20Health%20Brochure Spouses or other dependents are not covered by student health fees.
The Student Health Fee covers only those services provided and ordered by the Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso at Hague office and specific laboratory and radiology services performed at cooperating locations. All other charges incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Counseling - Program of Assistance for Students (PAS)
As a member of TTUHSC El Paso community you are provided with FREE, CONFIDENTIAL COUNSELING through the Program of Assistance for Students (PAS). You may self-refer to this program by calling any of the providers on the list (website below) and letting them know you are a TTUHSC El Paso dental student. Your student services fee provides short-term counseling per each academic year. There is also contact information in case of emergencies, see http://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/studentservices/PAS.aspx
Immunization Guidelines
Based on State and University requirements, all students should be immunized against a number of infectious diseases for their own safety as well as the safety of others. All WLHSDM students must be compliant with the school’s immunization requirements prior to the first day of orientation or the first day of class in each semester, noncompliance can result in a professionalism event card or removal from clinical duties. See https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/occupationalhealth/immunizations.aspx for more information.
To reduce the risk of transmission, the following vaccines are required prior to the first day of orientation or the first day of class in each semester:
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis: Primary series of Tetanus immunizations, plus one dose of Tdap within ten (10) years of matriculation. (Tdap) should be administered if it has been 2 years since the last Td booster.)
- Measles (Rubeola): Proof of immunity determined by serologic titer.
- Rubella (German Measles): Proof of immunity determined by serologic titer.
- Mumps: Proof of immunity determined by serologic titer
- Varicella (Chicken Pox): Proof of immunity determined by serologic titer.
- Hepatitis B: Series of three (3) and serologic proof of immunity. The third dose must be received no later than December 1 of the entering semester. If a student does not develop immunity after the initial series, a second series and re-titer will be required as recommended by the CDC.
- Annual Flu vaccine: given in the fall (covered by immunization fee). If you decline, you must wear a mask during the flu season during ALL patient encounters
- Meningococcal: Proof of immunization within the past five years
All student immunization records are kept on file within the TTUHSC El Paso Office of Occupational Health. Any updates to the student immunization record can be made directly with them with written documentation. For more information, please visit https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/occupationalhealth/immunizations.aspx
Tuberculosis Surveillance
All students who attend school at TTUHSC El Paso, with the exception of students identified as having no direct patient care, are required to have documentation of a TB skin test (TST) having been performed within the last 12 months, regardless of a history of BCG vaccine. See Attachment HSCEP OP 75.11. If you have any questions, please contact Maria Ramirez in Occupational Health at (915) 215-4429
Exposure Events
Students who have an “exposure event” to human blood or body fluid will report the exposure to their supervisor immediately and receive same day screening and blood testing, please see the Occupational Health website. The patient who is the source of the exposure will also be tested. Follow up blood tests are done to check for possible disease transmission. Medications may need to be taken in some cases. The students’ health insurance will be billed. If the insurance does not cover these costs Student Affairs will be contacted. You will receive further orientation to the pertinent policy at orientation and periodically thereafter.
Drug Screening
Drug screening may be required at any time, depending upon the program and/or the requirements of the affiliated institution. See HSCEP OP 77.15.
If there is a concern regarding a student’s substance abuse issue, the notice of a student’s positive drug screen will be sent to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, who will forward it to the Physician/Student Wellness committee for evaluation. The student in question will not be eligible to participate in clinical activities until the issue has been addressed (see Impaired Medical Student policy). A student may request re-testing of his/her original sample within five (5) days of being notified of a positive result by contacting the laboratory directly. The student is responsible for the cost of this re-testing.
COVID-19
Student Responsibilities to Avoid Spread of COVID-19
As a student, you are vital to our future healthcare system and to the patients. During the COVID- 19 outbreak it is essential that you follow CDC and hospital guidelines to avoid infecting yourself, others in the workplace or classroom, patients, fellow students and your loved ones.
Please read the recommendations below, acknowledge them with a signature and date and return this to your school’s Student Affairs Office.
It is important to note that most new infections occur with contacts in the home or community, when persons are not practicing social distancing and not wearing a mask. Persons maintaining social distancing, including during meals and wearing masks are at very low risk of acquiring an infection from a positive contact.
TTUHSC El Paso guidelines:
TTUHSC El Paso leadership is closely monitoring the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and working with the Texas Tech University System to ensure our campus community remains safe. We are committed to keeping our students, faculty and staff informed with updates on operational phases, local protocol and safety measures.
Effective June 1, 2021, TTUHSC El Paso will return to normal operations (i.e., Phase I). This means all employees should be back to campus, regardless of vaccination status. We will continue to follow and implement CDC guidelines as they are updated.
Personnel:
- Fully vaccinated people (i.e., >2 weeks after final dose) are no longer required to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting on campus. Such measures are optional for these individuals.
- Masks and social distancing are still required in the hospital and clinics in patient care areas.
- Unvaccinated and vulnerable individuals (as defined by federal guidelines) can resume public interactions, but should wear masks.
- All team members should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.
- Continue to avoid physical contact, including handshakes, hugs and typical greetings.
Campus Operations:
- Small and large venues can operate without the need for social distancing.
Continue to Use Safe Hygiene:
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Inform your supervisor if you have a sick family member at home with COVID-19.
Email ElpCOVIDResponse@ttuhsc.edu to report any positive COVID-19 results.
I have read and acknowledge these guidelines
For more information regarding COVID-19 along with requirements for the TTUHSC El Paso campus and students, please visit:
https://ttuhscep.edu/coronavirus/students-and- employees/
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