Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
We are pleased to share this terrific example of collaboration between a MAVA comprehensive Chapter 74 vocational technical school and an agency to provide free dental care. Attleboro High School and their Dental Assistant students are commended for providing this cost-free service.
For further information contact Jeremy Guay, Career and Technical Education Director, Attleboro High School at 508-222-5150 ext. 1301.
David
Attleboro High School Dental Assisting Students Participate in Free Rhode Island Care Clinic
October 11, 2024 Cody Shepard / John Guilfoil Public Relations LLC Client News, School News
Attleboro High School Dental Assisting student Gabriella Dotson helps a patient during Rhode Island Mission of Mercy’s annual free dental care clinic Oct. 5-6.
Superintendent David Sawyer is pleased to share that students in Attleboro High School’s Dental Assisting program participated in Rhode Island Mission of Mercy’s (RIMOM) annual free dental care clinic on Oct. 5-6.
The two-day, free dental clinic, which is in its 10th year, took place at Providence Community Health Centers. Licensed dental professional volunteers provided care to the uninsured, underinsured and anyone who could not access dental care.
Patients underwent health and dental screening before being treated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services included cleanings, fillings, X-rays, tooth extractions, root canal treatment on front teeth only and oral health instructions. The clinic was staffed with over 250 dental and medical volunteers and over 200 community volunteers to provide free dental services. Attleboro students participated in several ways.
“Our students participated in escorting patients to their operatories; cleaning and disinfection of treatment rooms between patients; sterilization; and assisting the doctors with procedures ranging from fillings to oral surgery,” said Amy Klegraefe Santos, Attleboro High School’s Dental Assisting instructor. “These student volunteers implemented all aspects of our PRIDE 5 — Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Equity — and their professionalism was exponential! They did a great service to the community and learned so many life lessons during this opportunity.”
Dental Assisting students during Rhode Island Mission of Mercy’s annual free dental care clinic.
Attleboro High School has made a strong effort to provide students with real-life experiences through a wide array of programs. Each program provides rigorous and engaging learning over a four-year period.
“RIMOM was a great experience to test out knowledge from the classroom in a real-life setting,” said junior Bridget Marshall. “It made me excited for a future in the dental field.”
“This experience gave me a look into what this field would be like and I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” said junior Abigail Titmas.
“This opportunity to volunteer solidified my dream of wanting to be a dentist,” said junior Louisa Heri. “It was amazing to be surrounded by like-minded people.”
The Dental Assisting program is one of the newest and most popular career and technical education programs at Attleboro High School. The school plans to participate in next year’s RIMOM clinic and find additional volunteer events to supplement its schedule.
Attleboro High School Dental Assisting student Marley Sicaju helps a patient during Rhode Island Mission of Mercy’s annual free dental care clinic
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira