Small World
On a mid-June Saturday, eight Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) alumni ran into each other at a community service event, Smiles for Our Heros.
“It was so nice to see them,” said Kaitlyn Terry ’21, one of the attendees. “Even though we don't know each other, I feel like we're a family; there's that connection.”
The one-day event was sponsored by Zufall Health and Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation. From dentists to hygienists to students, 126 volunteers provided no-cost care to 71 veterans, including extractions, periodontal examinations, crowns, check-ups, x-rays, cleaning, and fillings.
“Veterans did and do so much for our country but it's really difficult for them to get coverage, so, many of them are either uninsured or underinsured,” said Lisa Gallucci ’01, chair of Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation. She noted that the eligibility criteria for dental care through the Veterans Affairs is very limiting. “It was heartwarming to see all these volunteers come together, and it was nice to reconnect with [RSDM] alumni.”
Among the volunteers was RSDM Clinical Associate Professor of Periodontics Thomas Scorziello ’91. “I see different invitations for volunteer events through dental organizations, and I always say, ‘Next year I’m going to do it,’ but this time I said, ‘I'm doing it.’” A reason was that Scorziello’s father and uncles were all in the military. Another reason was as the president-elect for the national dental honor society OMICRON KAPPA UPSILON (OKU) Omega Omega Chapter, Scorziello wants to create opportunities for OKU alumni to participate in volunteer events together. “Because OKU is supposed to advocate for academics, honesty, and community service.”
Like OKU, community service runs deep in RSDM’s curriculum. The school has special patient programs, namely the VETSmile Program, the Ryan White Oral Health Services Program for people living with HIV/AIDs, and the Holocaust Survivors Program. Moreover, RSDM is an annual site for Give Kids A Smile! Day. All the students are required to participate in various projects.
A recent graduate and now a general dentist at Zufall, Terry is a committed volunteer. Every year, she goes on a Remote Area Medical mission to Pennsylvania to serve in their pop-up dental clinics that provide free dental services. “I love giving back to the community,” she said. “This is a great way to touch people emotionally and physically. I think God put me in this profession to really help people, and there are a lot of people in need.” She hopes other dentists consider volunteering too.
“It's very rewarding for the patient but then also for us,” she said. “[It] brings you back to reality and focus as to why you're really here on this earth and doing what you're doing.”
