10 things I wish I knew before my dental mission trip

During spring break 2018, I traveled to Quito, Ecuador with my classmates and local dentists. I had never gone on a mission trip before, so I tried to approach everything with an open mind and enthusiasm. It was one of the best decisions of my life, and I can’t wait to go back next year. Since dental schools are increasing the availability of international service trips, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Practicing corporate social responsibility as a dentist

After 45 years in private practice, Dr. Daniel Braun can still say, “HealthLink is better than any place I’ve seen in private practice. Period. And it’s free. If you can beat that, you show me where.” Dr. Braun has volunteered at the HealthLink Dental Clinic in Southampton, Pennsylvania, ever since retiring in 2004. After 14 years with the clinic, the 1968 graduate from Baltimore College of Dental Surgery still ranks it supreme in care.

Get More Out of Dental School

When you’re a student, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by your classes and focus solely on those. We’re here to tell you that it’s important to get involved with other aspects outside the classroom. There are so many opportunities for you to meet new people, learn from your peers, and create relationships that will help you not only get through dental school, but come out of it as a leader. So here are 6 ways to get involved in your school outside of the lecture hall and get more out of dental school.

How to coordinate a veterans outreach event

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, homeless veterans list dental care among their top three unmet needs, along with housing and child care. Many veterans do receive dental benefits through their VA. Yet in order to qualify, the veteran must be either 100 percent disabled, have been a prisoner of war or have developed a dental condition during their service. This leaves many veterans without dental benefits and thus no dental home.

A short guide to volunteering as a predental

volunteering handsAlbert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Serving your community can be one of the most rewarding experiences that you have throughout your journey of becoming a dentist. Finding volunteer opportunities that contribute to your community and fulfill your interests is an important part of shaping yourself as a dental school applicant. As an active volunteer, I have found these pieces of advice to be most valuable when deciding how to get involved in the community.

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.