{"id":124989,"date":"2025-08-27T08:53:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T13:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=124989"},"modified":"2025-08-29T07:58:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T12:58:17","slug":"summer-outreach-cod-volunteers-aid-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2025\/08\/27\/summer-outreach-cod-volunteers-aid-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer outreach: Volunteers aid community"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe students gain valuable clinical experience at these events, while serving the Lincoln and wider Nebraska community,\u201d said Emily Gish, outreach coordinator for the college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In June, Yun Saksena, DMD, took two dental students up to the 15th<\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group served 216 members of the community, mostly children and their parents or guardians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUltimately, we want to be helping people \u2014 that\u2019s what it\u2019s about,\u201d Dr. Saksena said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group also discussed proper dental care with young parents, answered questions about healthy snacks and brushing habits, and provided general oral health advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe were able to talk to people a bit,\u201d Dr. Saksena said. \u201cIf 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On June 14, the Second Annual Steve Utrecht Memorial Clinic was held at the People\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSteve was an incredibly kindhearted and serving individual to those in need,\u201d said Jon Asbj\u00f6rnson, DDS, a college alumnus who worked with UNMC dental students for the event. \u201cHe always wore a smile on his face, and he was very calm in everything he accomplished. Steve\u2019s humility was always inspiring, and he was an excellent role model for those he worked with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The memorial clinic was a special event, but the college does ongoing outreach at People\u2019s City Mission. Twice a month on Fridays, students volunteer at the mission, offering extractions to underserved individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other outreach events during June and July included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nebraska Urban Indian Medical Center<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On July 31, two students, two dental assistants, and Dr, Asbj\u00f6rnson 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clinic with a Heart<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An all-year-round affair, Lincoln\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A July veterans\u2019 dental outreach program.<\/strong> Read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gerard Kugel, DDS, PhD, expressed pride in the college\u2019s commitment to serving Nebraska.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen I first arrived, one thing that struck me was the UNMC College of Dentistry\u2019s legacy of community outreach,\u201d he said. \u201cThe commitment of our students and faculty members is inspiring, and this summer\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

O rmpfdflBWRbchvLja iJjd <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

College students, alums and faculty attended outreach events throughout Nebraska this 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