Dentistry in the Community
During four years of dental school, students participate in at least two volunteer outreach activities each year. Two mandatory outreach activities for the first year students are Lessons in a Lunchbox and Give Kids a Smile. Dental students also develop, organize, implement, and evaluate a project addressing a specific need in a group or community. These projects require students to begin to integrate their evolving knowledge in need analysis, epidemiology, research techniques, clinical science, and behavioral science to address a need and attempt to implement a solution.
Community-Based Learning Experiences
MOSDOH’s mission is to make available an array of community learning opportunities to target the diverse interests of students. Each year students participate in back to school health fairs, church and community-based health fairs, and provide dental education and screenings in various settings to all ages including children and older adults. These events ensure students are exposed to a variety of populations, contributing to cultural proficiency. Fourth year dental students often experience alternative practice settings while on their external rotations, including mobile dental units, school-based programs, and teledentistry.
