On Saturday, August 2nd, Dental Assistant students from Ross Medical Education Center in Canton, MI helped to further the mission of Dentistry from the Heart. The students volunteered at the organization’s community service event hosted by the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Michigan, P.C. practice in Canton, MI. The 220 patients serviced at the event received free dental care valued at more than $75,000! This amazing event allowed the Dental Assistant students the opportunity to witness and participate in real world dentistry. Some of the students even were able to assist a doctor, and they did an excellent job. Rebecca McCarthy, an employee from the host practice, shared, “I was lucky enough to interact with several students, and I am beyond impressed with how pleasant, helpful, and passionate about dentistry they all were.” Overall, this awesome event allowed the students to develop compassion and empathy for the less fortunate.
At the hands of the charitable organization, Dentistry from the Heart, less fortunate people all over the world have been able to receive free dental care. Dentistry from the Heart is an international nonprofit organization based in New Port Richey, Florida. The organization is dedicated to providing free dental services to adults and children that are in need. Thousands of dentists, hygienists, and volunteers from all over the world give their time and resources to host their own Dentistry from the Heart community service events. Some events have provided care for as many as 300 patients!
The incredible efforts of Dentistry from the Heart are not an attempt to market themselves. On the contrary, the organization provides a way for patients to receive treatment when they are not able to take care of their dental health on their own. With the help of dental specialists, private practices, and corporations, the organization is able to make treatment a reality for the patient. Founded more than a decade ago by Dr. Vincent J. Monticciolo, the organization has accomplished its goal of reaching out to others and showing the world that the dental care profession does have a giving spirit.
Thanks to Meredith Parker, Lead Dental Assistant faculty member, for making this unique and exciting opportunity available to the Canton students! For more information about Dentistry from the Heart and to learn about their upcoming community service events, visit their website at www.dentistryfromtheheart.org/. Also, to learn more about Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Michigan, P.C., visit their website at http://omsami.com/.
