Alpha Omega Brings GSDM to the JCC Wellness Expo
On Sunday, March 20, 2016, members of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) community participated in the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center (JCC) Wellness Expo in Newton, Massachusetts. Co-sponsored by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, the JCC Wellness Expo provided wellness and fitness activities for the whole family. Activities included everything from expert running advice to a make-your-own-smoothie station.
The Alpha Omega (AO)-sponsored GSDM table was staffed by GSDM students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Volunteers handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste, and provided oral hygiene instructions to visitors.
A poster depicting diseases and conditions of the mouth, oral health tips, and proper brushing techniques was on display, along with coloring books and brochures about a child’s first visit to the dentist. Children also had the opportunity to practice their brushing technique on “Doogie the Dog,” a stuffed dog with an oversized set of teeth.
“I had the opportunity to volunteer at The JCC wellness fair attended by parents and children of the community. Our table was frequented by these attendees and the energy was palpable,” said Jessica Finkielsztein DMD 16. “The most captivating element was how much positive energy was in the gym and how willing and excited the people were to further educate themselves on improving their oral health.”
Dr. David Dano, U.S. Regional Director of AO, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry, Group Practice Leader in the Pre-doctoral Patient Treatment Center, and GSDM AO Student Chapter Faculty Advisor, thanked all the members of the GSDM community who volunteered.
“We thank the participants for joining us in another successful event with AO,” said Dr. Dano, “We invite faculty and students to join us at future events to give back to the community.”
He continued, “I would also like to thank Dr. Charilaos Asikis for his support of AO and the event at the JCC, as well as Ms. Kathy Lituri for her support in planning this great event.”
AO’s next event is the Senior Brunch honoring graduating seniors as well as Dr. Morton Rosenberg, from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. The event will take place on April 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Courtyard Marriot on Memorial Drive in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The event costs $15 per-person (children less than 12 years old are free) and is open to all faculty, staff, students, and residents.
“I would like to thank all the GSDM faculty, staff, students and alumni who volunteered at the 2016 JCC Wellness Expo,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “GSDM’s status as a school dedicated to positive community outreach has certainly been strengthened with your actions.”
Student volunteers:
Jessica Finkielsztein DMD 16; Emily Foldes DMD 17;Anthony Kofoworola-Kuti AS 16; Hilary Reiter DMD 16; Oren Sudai DMD 16.
Faculty and staff volunteers:
Dr. Charilaos Asikis, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry and Practice Leader in the Pre-doctoral Patient Treatment Center; Dr. Antoine Hraiz, Clinical Instructor in the Department of General Dentistry; Dr. Elinor Binenfeld-Alon, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry; and Ms. Stacey McNamee, Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving.
Alumni volunteers:
Murray Miller ORTHO 83.
Photos of GSDM at the JCC Wellness Expo can be found on Facebook and Flickr.