Ruth Cumins authored the following press release for UMMC.
Medically underserved Mississippians in need of free dental treatment are invited to apply for services available during Dental Mission Week at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.
Dental Mission Week, set for Jan. 30-Feb.2, 2023, seeks to raise awareness of issues related to access to dental care and to provide dental care for vulnerable populations that include uninsured adults and minor children. Also served are military veterans who have no dental insurance.
Free services provided are cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals for front teeth only, oral cancer screening and oral hygiene education. Those selected for treatment will be contacted by the School of Dentistry to schedule an appointment.
Dental Mission Week has a second purpose that’s just as important as a patient’s oral health. Students learn how to become servant leaders in their communities, and they gain valuable hands-on experience, not just in dental procedures, but in making their patients feel welcome and comfortable.
“Dental Mission Week is just one way the School of Dentistry can express its compassion for life, love and humanity for others,” said Melody Longino, the school’s manager of ambulatory operations and Dental Mission Week coordinator.
The application deadline is Jan. 15. Download an application here. They’re also available at the School of Dentistry, the Jackson Medical Mall Dental Clinic or the Jackson Free Clinic. Applications must be mailed to UMMC School of Dentistry, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39215. The School of Dentistry will not accept applications that are emailed or faxed.
Additional details on Dental Mission Week are available here.
10 comments:
Nothing wrong with soliciting people to practice on, but spinning themselves into Mother Teresa is a bit much.
It’s nice to help others in need. The dean of the dental school - Dr. Koka - gave a talk at UMMC about a year ago. He said to not use the word “help” when describing giving assistance to others. He said that implies that you are better than the person you are assisting. Nonsense. Koka is a job hopper and attention seeker. He should direct his attention and his dental faculty to practice dentistry. Lou Ann, Alan, and others allow this nonsense to go on.
Just remember, you get what you “pay” for.
My wife and I have used the services of the Dental School for several years and have received excellent care. We do this not for the reduced cost but because they use the latest and best technology, methods, and materials in providing dental care.
It has been a common practice for decades in other States for Dental Schools to offer free dental care.
The benefits should be obvious if some of you would think.
This is no more than a public service announcement yet some of you are so mean spirited and tacky that you can't passed up a chance to personally attack another person when they are not only doing the right thing but are correct that likening it to welfare or charity will keep away people will dental problems that will offer training benefits from their program. These people would not want to be viewed as in "need" or lacking sufficient " funds" to pay for dental care.
Some of you really must be personally miserable humans.
12:03 that’s my tax dollars they are spending, I’ll have whatever opinion I choose to have, UMMC spends tax money like there is no limits.
No one is questioning the value of this type of program for citizens of our community, just that the dean does not want anyone to use the word “help” for some reason. We all need help if you go to a car mechanic, hair dresser, etc.
Going to be tough to fit all that sanctimony into a mere four (4) days of service.
I use the dental school and always get excellent care.
12:58 your statement "12:03 that’s my tax dollars they are spending, ...." is not totally right. I don't know anything about tax dollars going to the school; however, I have been going to the Dental School for many years (it is a process) and between my insurance and my payments, I have provided plenty of funds to the school. For all other times (not mission week) the patient pays on a scale. Some services are not even provided unless paid for up front. It all depends on each patients needs.
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