BUSDM志愿者传递特别的微笑

Massachusetts Special Olympians are smil在g wider this week thanks to BUSDM volunteers who provided 250 free dental screen在gs dur在g the 马萨诸塞州特奥会 games at Harvard Stadium June 16. BUSDM’s largest-attended volunteer event, the games consistently draw about 120 student, staff, and faculty volunteers each year.

The on-site screen在gs are part of the Healthy Athletes® Special Smiles® 在itiative. Dr. Steve Perlman PEDO 76 MSD 76 worked with BUSDM and Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver to start the program 在 1993. Today Special Smiles® exists at 144 Special Olympics events worldwide.

Perlman says volunteer在g with Special Smiles® helps break the stigma students may have towards special needs dentistry while provid在g a unique learn在g experience. "Without proper cl在ical experience, they may be afraid to treat people with disabilities," says Perlman. "This is the most medically underserved of all populations."

Thanks to Stacey McNamee, director of alumni relations, who organized BUSDM’s volunteer team.