GSDM Heads into the New Year with Community Service Opportunities- Abound!
The first paragraph of the mission of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) says “The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine will be the premier academic dental institution promoting excellence in dental education, research, oral health care, and community service to improve the overall health of the global population.” Our commitment to community service among our faculty, staff, students, and residents is unparalleled and a cornerstone of GSDM.
This semester, many students will be partaking in Externship programs, visiting countries and performing oral health care in places like Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama to name a few. Students that have participated in these externships have stated that these trips are some of their most memorable and impactful experiences while at GSDM.
Our commitment, however, to promoting oral healthcare in underserved communities is not just limited to foreign nations; community service opportunities in the Greater Boston area are numerous with high participation rates. Ms. Kathy Lituri, GSDM Clinical Instructor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research and the Oral Health Promotion Director is dedicated to bringing our students and the community together to improve the overall health of Boston citizens. She helps lead, organize, and coordinate community service outreach opportunities, which this semester includes events at the Yankee Dental Congress, Rosie’s Place, the Tet in Boston Festival, the Notre Dame Education Center (NDEC), and Healing our Community Collaborative (HOCC).
Details on Community Service Opportunities This Semester:
Yankee Dental Congress 2017/ HIV Dental Work Group: Jan. 26 – Jan. 28
The AAPHD student chapter at GSDM in collaboration with Ms. Lituri and the Office of Global and Population Health (GPH) staffs the HIV Dental Work Group Booth at the annual Yankee Dental Congress. Volunteers will be working alongside Helene Bednarsh, Tony Silva, and Cesi Nolasco, from the Boston Public Health Commission/HIV Dental Program and dental students from both Harvard and Tufts.
Thu, Jan 26: 10am–12 noon, 12 noon-2pm, 2pm-4pm
Fri, Jan 27: 9am-11:15am, 11:15am-1:45pm, 1:45pm-4pm
Sat, Jan 28: 9am-11:15am, 11:15am-1:45pm, 1:45pm-3pm
HOCC: February 13th
The American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) student chapter at GSDM and Global and Population Health will be volunteering at the Women, Oral Health, HIV Connection, sponsored by the Healing Our Community Collaborative (HOCC): Programs for Women, by Women, about Women. The group will be performing dental screenings, oral health promotion, and giving a presentation on HIV and Oral Health at the Old South Church.
Mon, Feb 13: 12noon – 2pm
Rosie’s Place (Women to Women): Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 12, Jun. 9
Tet in Boston Festival: February 11th & 12th
NDEC: March 29th & 30th