For
dentistry professionals, there are plenty of opportunities to use their skills
in a volunteering capacity. This could be via direct patient care or serving on
relevant planning or public health boards, for example. Many schools and senior
centers seek oral health volunteers too, and individuals could consider
organizing a sponsored event to raise awareness of and money for oral cancer.
Working
with the organizers of other community events, such as sports tournaments,
carnivals, and school fairs, also provides opportunities for dental screening.
When it comes to volunteering in dentistry, there is a
plethora of ways to make a difference.
Connecting to Others
Regular
dentistry volunteers like Alec Simonson understand that
volunteering is an effective means of connecting with and having a positive
impact on underprivileged communities, helping to make them a better place. As
well as providing dentistry services, advice, and raising funds, volunteers
have the opportunity to make new friends, boost their social skills, and expand
their network.
Enhancing Wellbeing
As
well as combating depression, volunteering can relieve the effects of anger,
stress, and anxiety, having a significant and positive effect on an individual’s
psychological wellbeing. Studies have even found that volunteers enjoy a lower
mortality rate than their non-volunteering counterparts. Increasing
self-confidence, providing a sense of purpose, and promoting happiness are all
benefits of undertaking volunteering activities.
Career Boosting
Those
who have experience in volunteering on their resumes may well stand out from
other candidates in the recruitment process. It demonstrates to a potential
employer that they’re willing to donate their own time to help make their
communities a better place and follow their own initiative. Volunteering also
gives individuals the opportunity to practice important workplace skills such
as problem solving, team work, communication, organization, and planning.
Volunteering Opportunities with the American
Dental Association
Those
interested in dentistry volunteering opportunities may want to consider those
available via the American Dental Association (ADA). These include the Give
Kids a Smile initiative, which sees 10,000 dentists delivering free oral care
services a year to underserved children. Since this program launched in 2003,
it has helped more than 5.5 million children. Furthermore, the ADA’s Dental
Lifeline Network currently has over 15,000 volunteer dentists along with 3,700
volunteer laboratories. The network facilitates comprehensive, donated
treatment to the elderly, those with disabilities, and the medically
compromised, and aims to reduce the more than two million emergency room visits
every year caused by neglected teeth.
For
more information about volunteering with the ADA, take a look at the embedded
PDF.
