On June 10, 2017, members of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) participated in Special Olympics Special Smiles MA. Almost 40 representatives from TUSDM provided the amazing athletes with oral screenings and OHI, mouth guards, and fluoride varnish. Athletes visited the Special Smiles stations in the hockey arena and enjoyed food and games outdoors in between their sporting events.
Gabrielle Lieberman (D19) shares her experience:
“I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Special Olympics: Special Smiles through AADMD. It was an enriching experience. Alongside other dental students, I was involved with oral health screenings and recording any findings. It was an exciting and enjoyable day and it was such a privilege to work with the athletes. The look on the kids’ faces when they would explain to you either the sport they competed in or when showing off their medals they won was pure joy. Working and interacting with athletes with special needs was good practice in building interpersonal skills. The team effort amongst the dental students in working with the special needs population built a network that we can continue to develop throughout our careers.”
To learn more about this and many other community service opportunities that AADMD offers, join the Facebook group and e-mail lauren.trager@tufts.edu to be added to the e-mail list.
