On Oct. 8, the UNMC College of Dentistry again took part in Project Connect-Lincoln, a one-day event where families and individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness can receive a wide variety of immediate, on-site services and support for unmet needs.
James Jenkins, DDS, said the college is a longtime participant.
“We can give families oral exams,” Dr. Jenkins said. “It’s informal – there’s not a dental chair – but we can take a look, ask where their pain is and maybe see what the problem is. Then we’ll give them referrals of where to go – maybe Clinic with a Heart, maybe our dental school, perhaps People’s City Mission.”
Volunteers also distribute toothpaste, brushes and other oral health items, Dr. Jenkins said.
“You can see quite a bit of dental need,” Dr. Jenkins said. “But the gratifying thing is there are places where patients can receive care.”
Dental student Payton Alber was at the event, one of a variety of free clinics she has been volunteering at since before she started dental school.
“Very quickly, it gives you insight to how much need there is in our community,” Alber said. “I have always felt it is part of our responsibility as health care providers to give back to those that don’t have immediate access to care.
“My biggest takeaway (from Project Connect) is how confusing finding care can be to those that are not used to the health care system,” she said. “Many of the patients we saw have had a desire to receive care for many years but had no idea where to start. That is where events like this one play such a vital role: not only do we give them a positive experience with no judgment, but we directly connect them with resources and health care facilities to improve their overall well being.”
College alumni Jon Asbjornson, DDS, was joined by six dental students, and the group provided 100 hours worth of care over the course of the six-hour event.
“Project Connect is an excellent example of Lincoln’s commitment to those in need,” Dr. Asbjornson said. “Pinnacle Bank provides the venue, and local businesses, professionals, service personnel and amazing volunteers provide a day filled with services.
“Over 100 dental exams were performed by our amazing dental students,” he said. “Advice and options were provided to all patients for dental care and hopes of finding a dental home. An emergency extraction case was set up that evening through Clinic with a Heart for same-day care and relief. Overall, it was a great day filled with an abundance of care and services provided by all those involved.”
Other agencies were at the event to discuss issues such as housing, education, employment, legal issues, social services applications and basic needs. Haircuts and bike repairs also were available.
Each person or family who entered the event was greeted by a “navigator,” who listened to their story, helped identify their needs and guided them through the information and service areas.
The event was sponsored by the Lincoln Homeless Coalition and the VA Nebraska/Western Iowa Health Care System.