Students from GSDM, Tufts University, and Harvard University at the Health and Safety Fair
On Saturday, May 16, 2015 the student chapter of the Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association (MHDA) at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) teamed up with student chapters from Tufts University and Harvard University to promote oral health at the Martha Eliot Health and Safety Fair, which took place at the Boston Children’s Martha Eliot Health Center in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.
The Safety Fair is an annual traditional Latino Health Fair organized by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Professor of Periodontology and Faculty Sponsor Dr. Aidee Herman on behalf of the MHDA. The three university student chapters follow the same mission as the National Hispanic Dental Association:
- Promote the oral health of the Hispanic community through improved prevention, treatment, and education.
- Provide a voice for the Hispanic oral health professional in the United States.
- Foster research and knowledge concerning Hispanic oral health problems.
- Disseminate information to both Hispanic dental professionals and the community at large.
- Provide a worldwide source of continuing education for oral health professionals serving the Hispanic community.
- Stimulate interest and encourage entry of Hispanics into oral health careers.
Onsite, the students promoted health, wellness, and summer safety tips—specifically educating Latino participants about diabetes, asthma, blood pressure, fire safety, sports safety, wellness, and nutrition. The students also offered a table for the children to create arts and crafts. Approximately 300 Latino parents and children participated in the Fair.
Director of Community-Based Education in the Office of Global & Population Health and GSDM Faculty Sponsor Dr. Ana Zea said, “The Martha Eliot Health and Safety Fair was very well-attended and it was a great opportunity for GSDM students to interact with other MHDA student chapters from Tufts University and Harvard University to promote oral health at this community event.”
Volunteers included: William Alvarez AS 16; Ana Keohane AS 16; Andrea Lugo AS 16; and Dr. Ana Zea.