Students in the School of Dental Medicine participated in this year’s Connecticut Mission of Mercy (CT MOM) Free Dental Clinic in Waterbury, providing free oral health care to underserved and uninsured individuals across the state.

This year, 39 third- year and 14 fourth-year students, along with faculty, provided direct patient care during the two-day event. Eight first and second-year students assisted with patient triage, escort, and post-op instructions.

“Reflecting on this past weekend, it was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together to serve,”  said student leader and third-year student Alexis Vasciannie. “In a fast-paced and unpredictable environment, I witnessed many of classmates and fellow student volunteers demonstrate incredible adaptability, fully immersing themselves in their experience, to help restore health and confidence in the community members we served.”

“During the event, we had all of our UConn faculty and students wear bright pink scrub caps to make us easy to identify,” said student leader and third-year Michael Truhlar. “Looking around the gym, it was amazing to see the impact that UConn has on the event. By the end of each day, the majority of providers left in the gym were UConn affiliated. These final hours were crucial to ensure that patients who had been waiting all day for their treatment would not be left to seek care elsewhere.”

Ten School of Dental Medicine faculty were also in attendance, assisting the students as they provided care.

“We worked closely with CT MOM department chairs so students could directly treat patients next to volunteer dentists and hygienists,” said Dr. Ron Albert, assistant professor in general dentistry. “Our students felt as meaningful contributors to the overall mission.   We had students in oral surgery, restorative, hygiene, and pediatric dentistry delivering care with their faculty.  Not only did their patients appreciate their kind nature during the free clinic, the students grew professionally from the gratitude expressed by all.  We will be back!”

“The students who attended were able to gain valuable experience with a variety of procedures and contribute to the community by treating patients with so many needs,” said Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students. “The faculty who helped with the students were so dedicated and attentive, they engaged in active learning and allowed the students to complete more procedures.”

The School of Dental Medicine has participated in CT MOM every year since its inception in 2008.

CT MOM provides free dental services for underserved and uninsured individuals who cannot afford the cost of care. The two-day clinic is first-come, first-served and provides a full range of dental services including exams, x-rays, cleanings, extractions, root canals, and more.