One of the many things that make a career as a dental assistant rewarding is participating in community health programs. This can be programs your dental practice participates in or time you volunteer in your community. Be sure to let your practice know when you volunteer, as they may also want to participate.
Below are just a few ways you can participate in local area and global community health programs.
#1 Oral Health Presentations
Oral health is whole-body health, but kids are often too young to understand the importance of brushing and flossing. So, reach out to local schools, non-profits, and community organizations to see if you can provide oral health presentations.
Your presentation can include:
- Share the importance of regular dental visits for oral health.
- Share the connection between oral health and whole-body health.
- Teach a few different brushing and flossing techniques.
- Discuss how sugar impacts oral health and share healthy foods and snacks.
- If age-appropriate, discuss the oral health risks of tobacco use.
- Give away toothbrushes, oral health stickers, or magnets.
#2 Volunteer Your Skills Locally
Perform an online search to identify free dental clinics, low-income dental clinics, mobile dentists, and non-profit organizations that offer dental care. These organizations are always in need of dental professionals to volunteer their time. Even if you only have time for a shift or two a month, you play a role in ensuring quality dental health for all.
#3 Volunteer Your Skills Globally
Also, search online to identify secular and non-secular non-profits that require dental and healthcare professionals of every kind. Explore your options and consider spending your next vacation volunteering. This is an excellent way to travel solo internationally while having a connection once you arrive. Discounted airfare and lodging are often included, and you can extend your trip to see the local sights.
One option to consider is International Medical Relief (IMR). IMR travels to Tanzania, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Belize, Thailand, Ecuador, Colombia, and many other countries. They even have trips to Denver, where the unhoused population is growing at a rapid rate. Also consider the volunteer opportunities at Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures.
#4 Donate Oral Health Kits and Other Items
There are a variety of non-profit organizations that are always in need of monetary and physical donations. Consider donating at set times throughout the year, including a holiday drive that your patients can participate in if they want to.
Year-round, you can donate oral health kits that include toothbrushes, toothpaste, tooth floss, and mouth rinse. During the holidays, or year-round, you can host a food drive, toy drive, or coat and clothing drive. As you upgrade your dental tools and technology, look for dental non-profits you can donate your items to. Items donated by the clinic are likely to be eligible as tax write-offs.
A few places in need of donations include:
- Homeless assistance programs
- Women and children’s shelters
- Churches and community centers
- Food banks
- Senior assistance programs
- Veteran’s assistance programs
- And more
#5 Host a Community Clinic
If you’re not already doing it yet, broach the topic of hosting community clinic days a few times a year at your dental practice. If not community clinics, you can partner with a local non-profit to volunteer a set number or dollar amount of services annually.
This may include:
- Dental cleaning, screening, and X-rays
- Cavities and root canals
- Smile restoration for chipped and missing teeth
- Emergency dental care
Want to Learn More About a Career as a Dental Assistant?
If you live in or around Colorado Springs and are considering a rewarding career as a dental assistant, we invite you to schedule a tour at American Institute of Dental Assisting. We’ll answer all your questions and share the additional benefits of working in the dental field.
AIDA offers a 13 week Hands-On Dental Assistant Training Program with training in a live dental clinic and the option of an additional 7 weeks for Extended Duties Dental Assisting.