The Council on Professional Issues presents the National Outreach Initiative

The Council on Professional Issues is excited to announce the start of the National Outreach Initiative. Outreach is a crucial component to many chapters within ASDA. Because of its importance, the Council on Professional Issues would like to bring attention towards community service. Outreach promotion has become a goal for ASDA and we will be promoting awareness for underserved populations. Promotion will occur through publications, blog posts and chapter spotlights. The goal is to educate students on these at-risk communities. The National Outreach Initiative will also include Service Week, featuring social media takeovers displaying successful outreach events.

The Dental Brigades and the heart of the profession

As an undergraduate at Loyola University Chicago, I knew I wanted to enrich my education with adventure and community service. I joined clubs, networked with numerous people, and made unforgettable memories. Global Brigades is the organization that had the biggest impact on my journey. After volunteering for two international trips, I knew I had found my future profession.

What is your chapter doing for the community? Let ASDA help!

Alabama ASDA back to school fair As you may know, ASDA chapters across the nation have been doing amazing work to improve the oral health of individuals within their communities. Did you know that ASDA has a national grant opportunity to support these initiatives? Dentistry in the Community Chapter Grant applications are being accepted until January 9, 2017. Up to five grants of $500 each will be awarded for 2017.

Below is a snapshot of the incredible work done by the 2016 chapter grantees.* Congratulations to these chapters and to everyone who participated! Your efforts in improving oral health literacy and oral hygiene practices will have a lasting impact for years to come.

Serving military veterans while in dental school

Ferrin DS2People always say that the first year of dental school will be hard. I was told I wouldn’t have time to do anything else other than studying for quizzes and exams. It wasn’t something I wanted to hear since I love extracurricular and volunteer opportunities. The one that stood out the most to me was the Sgt. Clint Ferrin Memorial Veteran’s Dental Clinic. I grew up in a military family. My father, brother, husband and brother-in-law were or are still serving. Although I have never lived anywhere for more than 4 years, I’m grateful for what the military has given me. Being in a military family comes with many privileges – the ability to shop tax-free at the Exchange, free gym memberships, various opportunities for college scholarships, chances to travel and live all around the world, and many more. My family members have put their lives at risk so I can enjoy all of these things.

When I heard about the Ferrin Clinic, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.

Using YouTube to help others

My family were immigrants from Canada. Our first family business was running a convenience store. Working in the store as a teenager motivated me to pursue a career that focused on serving people and improving their well-being. Most students who want to be a doctor, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, health care professional or any other professional go into their field wanting to do one main thing-help people. However, when we’re faced with that daunting educational debt, I’m certain most students who dreamed of providing selfless service to others become discouraged as to how to provide free service to their patients. There are ways to supplement salaries and paychecks to provide funds to help people. I explored social media venues that can help me do just that.

A predental student’s guide to organizing a dental supply drive

toothbrushes

As predental students and future health care professionals, our involvement in our communities can play an integral role in the way that we are perceived by our peers. Volunteering can also be extremely useful for predental students to show admissions committees that they are compassionate individuals who are committed to the well being of other people. One awesome volunteering project for predental students to consider taking on is to organize and conduct a dental supply drive. Read on for tips on organizing your own supply drive.