Harcum Dental Students Provide Free Care to the Needful

Harcum’s dental programs were well represented over the weekend at the third annual dental mission providing care to those in need. The Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA was transformed into a dental clinic providing fillings, cleanings, x-rays, and extractions on Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30. Initial estimates of patient visits are in the area of 1,800; some patients began lining up in the middle of the night but didn’t seem to mind.

The Mission of Mercy in Pennsylvania, also known as MOM-n-PA, is an example of volunteerism at its finest. Dentists, hygienists, assistants, EFDAs, dental/hygiene/assisting/EFDA students, and lay volunteers were oriented and sent protocols for specifics in areas where they expressed an interest in helping for the day.

Dental assisting and EFDA faculty were in attendance over both days and were thrilled to be joined by several current assisting/EFDA/hygiene students as well as reconnecting with several alumni and employer dentists. “Needless to say, we donned our “100 Acts of Service” shirts and spread the word that Harcum is 100 years old!” remarked Theresa Groody, Director of Professional Studies.

Dental Hygiene student Cristelle Fremont commented, “I had an amazing experience at Mom-n-PA Dental missions! I got to meet great people and even assist a dentist with an extraction. It was really fun and it was nice being able to see so many hygienists and dentists working together to help the community.”

Next years event is planned for Pittsburgh, PA on June 3 and 4, 2016.

Watch news coverage from a 6abc affiliate in Harrisburg.

Learn more about Harcum’s 100 Acts of Service at harcum.edu/100service.