Patients who have neglected their dental health while dealing with substance use disorder find themselves in pain due to severe decay and gum disease; many of them also have anxiety and stress about visiting a dentist after becoming sober.
ASDA alumni band together to serve after Hurricane Maria
Terrible winds and harsh rain battered Puerto Rico in September 2017 as Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, leaving destruction in its path. Thousands of residents were affected as homes and businesses were destroyed, with many left without access to food, drinkable water or electricity for months at a time.
Step forward into volunteering
The first time she traveled to Kenya to spend a few weeks volunteering at a World Health Dental Organization (WHDO) clinic, Dr. Katie Vincer Sears admits she was nervous. In the Oct. 16 episode of the ADA’s Beyond the Mouth podcast, she remembers thinking, “What am I getting myself into?”
Midwestern-Arizona salutes its veterans
Veterans are a special population that has unique dental care needs that are not being met. Although veterans receive free medical care for life from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), lifetime dental care is only given to those who are 100% disabled by their service, former prisoners of war or have a dental disability caused in service.
Ethical considerations for volunteering abroad
Volunteering abroad can be a great chance to contribute to the advancement of global oral health. However, did you know that service trips could potentially do more harm than good? Before you pack your bags, make sure that you are prepared to volunteer responsibly. Set yourself up to be an ethical advocate of global health by reviewing these important topics.
Call to action: Making outreach a priority
This year, ASDA continued the growth of the National Outreach Initiative, which was established in 2017 and brings attention to the oral health needs of underserved populations. The special populations highlighted this year included geriatric individuals, displaced populations and veterans.
Empowering youth to foster an attitude of service
In 2012, my brother and I established an annual summer camp designed for 11 to 14 year olds from underserved neighborhoods in Contra Costa County, California. The theme for last year’s camp was “Mind-Body-Spirit,” an intensive, holistic health session centered on the importance of finding a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit, as well as strategies to develop their potential and contribute to society. This encompassed fostering a positive outlook on their oral and overall health.