18 | May 2024 SEEN&HEARDMembers making news and news for GDA members. Dental College of Georgia Students Offer Free Dental Screenings to Community Members Six times per year, dental and dental hygiene students from the Dental College of Georgia set up shop at the Augusta, Georgia Barnyard Flea Market to offer complimentary dental screenings to community residents. These efforts not only allow for hands-on collaboration between dental and dental hygiene students of varying skill levels, but it more importantly creates an opportunity for them to share the importance of good oral hygiene while creating lasting connections with drop-in patients. “The people are the fun part. The relationship you build is the fun part,” says Dr. Kim Capehart, of his six-year tenure leading the screening initiative. Students offer dental screenings, along with head and neck exams, while Dr. Capehart and more senior students oversee and offer guidance and assistance to the younger students. Depending on the weather, the group sees anywhere from ten to 60 patients during their time at the flea market. Screening dates and times are minimally advertised, occasionally on the Barnyard Flea Market’s website. According to Capehart, many of the patients are simply passing by or have heard about the initiative through wordof-mouth; like a local nursing home who bring their residents for screenings. Dr. Capehart says, “They love interacting with the students,” of the community members that have the opportunity to visit the screening booth. GDA Connects with Future Georgia Dentists The GDA was thrilled to connect with future Georgia dentists at the high school level at the HOSA Leadership Conference and with the next class of soon-to-be graduates at the DCG ASDA Vendor Fair. Students at the HOSA Leadership Conference flocked to listen eagerly to GDA President, Dr. Jamie Mitchell as he shared valuable information about potential careers in dentistry including general dentistry, orthodontia and other specialties, hygiene, dental office support, as well as various avenues for practicing that may lead to practice ownership, large group practices and military service. DCG’s students at ASDA’s Vendor Fair were eager to hear from the GDA about the benefits of membership in the tripartite, especially their first year out of dental school. Did you know that the first 18 months of GDA membership after graduation is free? Now you do!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=