GSDM volunteers partner with local schools to screen 88 athletes during 2024 Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games
Volunteers screened 88 Special Olympics athletes between two stations at the Harvard Athletic Complex as part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Special Smiles program. (Photos by Dan Bomba, GSDM.)
On Saturday, June 8, 60 volunteers from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM), Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences provided oral healthcare services to athletes participating in the 2024 Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games as part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Special Smiles program.
Special Smiles volunteers screened 88 Special Olympics athletes between two stations at the Harvard Athletic Complex, providing instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques to participating athletes.
“It is the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, students, staff, and faculty alike, that makes events like Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Special Smiles possible,” Kathy Lituri, GSDM clinical assistant professor of health policy & health services research, said. “We are confident that the athletes/families/caregivers/coaches they interacted with had a very positive dental experience.”
The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program was started by GSDM alum, Dr. Steve Perlman PEDO 76, in 1993. In its inaugural year, 750 athletes were screened and received access to the healthcare system. The program has since expanded and is currently the largest public health program internationally for patients with intellectual disabilities with eight health disciplines.
Stacey McNamee, GSDM director of alumni relations & annual giving, said Perlman’s dedication to patients with intellectual disabilities remains valuable.
“There is no doubt that the athletes who stopped at the hygiene table loved the puppets and enjoyed learning more about keeping their mouths clean,” McNamee said. “Thanks to our alum, Dr. Steve Perlman PEDO 76, experiences like these helps our students graduate from GSDM knowing how to treat individuals with disabilities.”
Here is what some of this year’s volunteers had to say about their experience:
(Please note: Some quotes were edited/shorten for clarity)
Dr. Haris Asikis, clinical associate professor of General Dentistry and practice Leader for the pre-doctoral patient treatment center, Special Smiles faculty supervisor
“This being the 10th consecutive year of me participating in Special Olympics, [it] gives me a sense that I’m part of something bigger, a team of old and new friends, who share common values like commitment to inclusion, respect and dignity, and building a community of embracing and acceptance.”
Ana Caroline Serrao DMD AS 25, Special Smiles general volunteer
“I have a brother with autism and cerebral palsy, and I want to continuously contribute to events like this.”
Kate Winebrake DMD 25, Special Smiles screener
“I found joy in educating athletes about their oral health in a way that made dentistry feel approachable and even fun. It felt like coming full circle since my high school days when I first volunteered at Special Olympics. My favorite part of my SOSS experience this year was meeting the athletes and hearing their stories. One remarkable athlete shared her 25-year journey with Special Olympics, starting when she was just 8 years old. Witnessing her dedication was a testament to the profound impact of Special Olympics on people’s lives.”
Kadambari (Kady) Rawal, clinical associate professor of general dentistry, Special Smiles faculty supervisor
“[It was great] seeing all the enthusiastic athletes who came to the oral health tent with medals around their necks, with their proud parents & caregivers who told us all about the sports they play and why. [We] noticed that a good percentage of athletes who visited our tent had excellent oral health; It clearly demonstrates what it means to have good access to care. Their caregivers shared with us how they had regular visits to all their healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. This was good to hear.”
Dr. Joseph Calabrese, associate dean of students and clinical professor of general dentistry, Special Smiles faculty supervisor
“It’s a great opportunity to interact with participants from across the state and share with the athletes and their family members what resources are available for them today. We have come a long way but there is more to do! What is so special is that the joy that we bring to the athletes is only a fraction of what I feel I get in return. The value of being paid in hugs and smiles is priceless. Even after 30 years this is still the community event that I look forward to the most.”
Ana Lorena Izaguirre Sanchez DMD AS 25, general volunteer
“It was a touching experience for me, and I will definitely want to participate next year. I hope we continue to support these activities because they have a positive impact for the athletes.”
Ameer Ahmed DMD 25, screener
“Being able to gain experience working with patients with disabilities is essential in the dental field, and this opportunity provided that. We know how to treat patients with other conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, so treating patients with disabilities should be no different for us. Special Olympics Special Smiles was an incredible learning experience and I urge others to get involved.”
Jennier Chin DMD 25, screener
“My favorite part about participating in Special Olympics Special Smiles was being able to interact with different athletes of all ages. I loved hearing about the sports each individual participated in and how excited they were.”
Paul Wiley DMD 26, general volunteer
“The best part of the event was interacting with all of the athletes and their families! It was a big highlight for them, and we were happy to be a part of it!”