On Monday, January 8, 2018, 11 volunteers from the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine volunteered at Every Smile Tells a Story event, sponsored by the Healing Our Community Collaborative (HOCC). HOCC strives to bring the most relevant health information and current health and wellness programming to women infected with, affected by or at risk for HIV. This volunteer event was organized in collaboration with the GSDM American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) student chapter and the GSDM Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) student chapter.
At the event, the GSDM volunteers provided key oral health screenings, in addition to advising their patients on proper oral health habits. 115 toothbrush kits with a brush, floss, and toothpaste were also available for the attendees. Following the screenings and oral health promotion, a Q & A was hosted by Ms. Kathy Held; Assistant Professor of General Dentistry, and Director of Global Initiatives, Office of Global & Population Health; and Ms. Paula Pina, School-Based Program Coordinator, Office of Global & Population Health, regarding the correlation of HIV and oral health. The last portion of the day was reserved for the drawing of raffle prizes, which was organized Ms. Kathy Lituri, Clinical Instructor of Health Policy & Health Services Research; Director of Oral Health Promotions, Office of Global & Population Health.
HOCC is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization that receives no local, state, or federal funding. Instead, HOCC relies on personal donations, small grants, and in-kind contributions. HOCC’s greatest financial demands are related to the provision of hot nutritious meals; rent at the Old South Church that provides a safe and reliable space; and all of HOCC’s programming such as our monthly health and wellness luncheon, monthly mini-clinics, peer leadership training, weekly walking program; and educational and wellness materials to support and enhance the learning experience.
GSDM Volunteers
Farah Al-Ayoubi DMD 19; Marissa Borchardt DMD 20; Christina Bui DMD 19; MaryNell Cella DMD 22; Karen Chileuitt DMD 22; Safina Dhanji DMD 19; Tamara Gordon DMD 18; Ms. Kathy Held; Ms. Paula Pina; Emily Pipilas (pre-dent); Ms. Ana Zea.