UM dental students donate 100 toothbrush kits to Siloam Mission

Students from the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry handed out oral hygiene products and shared dental care tips with people at Siloam Mission on a Saturday in February.  

The dental students and dental hygiene students gave away oral hygiene kits that included a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to those in need. The students put together 100 kits from donations they collected, many from local dental offices.

“We had a lot of eager individuals coming up to our table excited to receive a toothbrush and toothpaste,” said Lala Rukh, a second-year dental student and Smile More’s director of corporate relations.  

“They were also asking us questions about brushing their teeth. Being able to help them, and being able to provide care, that’s our job as dentists and dental hygienists.”  

The effort was organized by Smile More, a Manitoba Dental Students Association affiliated student group that was started last year. It’s made up of 25 dental students and is a way for learners to take what they’ve learned in their courses out into the community.

Learning beyond the classroom

Not only is it beneficial to give back to the community, Rukh said that being part of Smile More is also a learning experience.  

“We’re dentists second, but I feel we’re educators first,” Rukh said.

“Through volunteering at these events, we’re learning how to be better educators. I feel that’s an essential skill set that we can develop right now as dental students before we step out into the real world and we’re working with patients every day.”

Beverly Porcalla, a supervisor and dental assistant at Siloam Mission’s Saul Sair Health Centre, said that the students volunteering at the shelter is important because it helps improve access to basic hygiene resources and helps prevents dental problems among vulnerable populations.  

“It also promotes dignity and well-being, while allowing students to build empathy, communication skills and a stronger sense of social responsibility through meaningful community service,” Porcalla said.  

Rukh said the experience opened her eyes to the work she can do to serve the community after graduation.  

“I didn’t even know that Siloam Mission had volunteer dentists and dental hygienists,” Rukh said.  

“That’s something I can think about in the future when I’m a dentist. That’s a way I can give back to my community."

Earlier this year, Smile More members put together 100 oral hygiene kits for Agape Table, a local organization dedicated to feeding those in need.

Dr. John Perry, acting associate dean (academic) at the UM dental college, said that involvement in Smile More allows opportunities for students to understand the many physical, cultural and financial barriers faced by those in underserved communities that can limit access to proper oral care.  

“Students see first-hand the importance of interpersonal skills, communication and problem-solving as vital components of their clinical practice,” Perry said.  

“Through the self-initiated activities of Smile More our students have shown their capacity for empathy and compassion.”