Summer is a slow time for classes in the UNMC College of Dentistry, but dental students, supported by faculty and in some cases alumni, spent June, July and August engaged in a variety of outreach initiatives.
“The students gain valuable clinical experience at these events, while serving the Lincoln and wider Nebraska community,” said Emily Gish, outreach coordinator for the college.
In June, Yun Saksena, DMD, took two dental students up to the 15th annual Santee Tribal Health Fair, held in Niobara, Nebraska. It was, she said, the first health fair the tribe had held since before the COVID pandemic, and several UNMC colleges and departments were in attendance.
The group served 216 members of the community, mostly children and their parents or guardians.
“Ultimately, we want to be helping people — that’s what it’s about,” Dr. Saksena said.
The group also discussed proper dental care with young parents, answered questions about healthy snacks and brushing habits, and provided general oral health advice.
“We were able to talk to people a bit,” Dr. Saksena said. “If we can start children off with good habits and change some of those unhealthy habits, the kids could have better oral health and general health for the rest of their lives.”
On June 14, the Second Annual Steve Utrecht Memorial Clinic was held at the People’s City Mission Clinic. Fourteen students dedicated their Saturday to providing extractions, treating 26 patients. The event is named in honor of the former practice manager of the clinic.
“Steve was an incredibly kindhearted and serving individual to those in need,” said Jon Asbjörnson, DDS, a college alumnus who worked with UNMC dental students for the event. “He always wore a smile on his face, and he was very calm in everything he accomplished. Steve’s humility was always inspiring, and he was an excellent role model for those he worked with.”
The memorial clinic was a special event, but the college does ongoing outreach at People’s City Mission. Twice a month on Fridays, students volunteer at the mission, offering extractions to underserved individuals.
Other outreach events during June and July included:
Nebraska Urban Indian Medical Center
On July 31, two students, two dental assistants, and Dr, Asbjörnson volunteered at the Nebraska Urban Indian Medical Center in Lincoln. More than 25 patients received school and sports physicals. In addition to physicals, the team provided dental education to patients and their families, promoting oral health awareness and preventive care within the community.
Clinic with a Heart
An all-year-round affair, Lincoln’s Clinic With a Heart provides essential dental care, including tooth extractions, for patients in need. Each Wednesday, four to six students, accompanied by a faculty member, volunteer at the clinic. Additionally, students can conduct school physicals, apply sealants to permanent molars and administer fluoride treatments to children from the community.
A July veterans’ dental outreach program. Read more here.
Gerard Kugel, DDS, PhD, expressed pride in the college’s commitment to serving Nebraska.
“When I first arrived, one thing that struck me was the UNMC College of Dentistry’s legacy of community outreach,” he said. “The commitment of our students and faculty members is inspiring, and this summer’s activities are only the latest examples. With this level of dedication, we hope not only to continue but to expand our efforts to reach people in Nebraska who need our help.”