News at °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ
More Than a Dental Clinic, A Community Impact
March 22, 2026For many children, a trip to the dentist isn’t something that happens regularly. Cost, access, and uncertainty can all stand in the way. That’s what made this recent TeamSmile event so meaningful and why °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ dental hygiene students and faculty showed up ready to help.
Through TeamSmile, a national nonprofit focused on improving access to oral healthcare, °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ students stepped into a community-centered experience that went far beyond the classroom. Working alongside dental professionals, they helped provide free screenings, preventative care, and treatment to children who might not otherwise receive it.
But what stood out most wasn’t just the care provided. It was the connection.
Students met young patients where they were, offering reassurance, encouragement, and a sense of comfort in an unfamiliar setting. For some children, this was their first dental visit. A positive experience in that moment can shape how they view oral health for years to come.
Each child left not only with a healthier smile, but with the tools and knowledge to take care of it, including supplies they can use at home. It’s a small step that can lead to lasting change, especially in communities where consistent dental care isn’t always accessible.
The day also included a visit from Wally the Green Monster, the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox, bringing a sense of excitement and helping create an environment where kids could feel more relaxed and confident.
For Dental Hygiene Program faculty member Jennifer Hennessy, the impact is exactly why opportunities like this matter.
“Addressing oral health disparities is a priority for our profession and the Dental Hygiene Program at °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ,” she said. “Participating in TeamSmile gives our students and faculty an opportunity for community service and to help provide access to oral healthcare to underserved children. It is a fun and rewarding event and the smiles say it all. It is a true privilege to be a part of this organization.”
Experiences like this shape how °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ students see their future. They begin to understand that being a dental hygienist isn’t just about clinical skills. It’s about advocacy, compassion, and meeting real needs in real communities.
At °ÅÀÖÊÓÆµ, that mindset is part of the learning experience from the very beginning. Students don’t have to wait until after graduation to make a difference. They’re already doing it.