First Year DMD Students Make a Difference in the Community
The Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM) added service learning to the first year DMD curriculum this year as part of the Introduction to Dental Practice course. The service program brought BUGSDM students to local schools where they taught oral health education, observed sealant placement in a school setting using portable dental equipment, and provided services such as screenings and fluoride varnish applications. Participating schools included William Blackstone Elementary School, Orchard Gardens K-8 School, Joseph J. Hurley School, John Winthrop School, Patrick O’Hearn School, David A. Ellis School, Paul A. Dever School, and William Monroe Trotter School. 
“Service learning was added to the first year curriculum in order to give the students more hands on experience in their first year,” said Professor and Assistant Dean for Community Partnerships and Extramural Affairs Dr. Michelle Henshaw. “It also provided the opportunity for students to learn first hand about the high level of unmet dental needs in populations that may not make it to dental care.”
“We are indebted to the school nurses and principals for allowing us to bring the dental students in to help us provide services,” said Clinical Instructor Corinna Culler. “By the time we are finished all of the first year students will have visited a local elementary school twice.”
The DMD students were excited about service learning, especially because they spend most of their first year in the classroom.
“This program was nice because it allowed us to go outside the classroom,” said Lindsey Jackson DMD 12. “Actually seeing the screenings and treatment was much different than looking at examples on slides.”
“I had a great learning experience outside of the classroom,” said Sabahat Hanif DMD 12. “It definitely enhanced my subsequent IDP clinic session. I had never seen sealant placements before and we saw ideal examples of mixed dentition – something we do not see in the classroom.”
BUGSDM students also appreciated the opportunity to help children from the local community.
“The kids were great,” said Jackson. “They couldn’t wait to show off the baby teeth they had lost and share the answers during our oral health lesson.”
“Service learning is an integral part to experiencing new opportunities within the field, yet outside the clinic walls,” said Katy Bednar DMD 12. “There is a balance between what you gain from the experience and what you leave for the community. Above all, it is immensely satisfying to help a child who otherwise may not have the chance to visit a dentist.”