Clinic Reaches Out to Neediest Citizens

They knew at a glance they’d have their work cut out for them, but a closer examination revealed even more damage than they initially suspected.

A patient who visited the Tri-County Health System in early February for one of the few dental visits of her life had irreparable tooth decay. Her only option was to have every tooth extracted and to be fitted for a complete set of dentures. She is 32 years old.

It’s a sad story, but not atypical for the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry students and faculty who staff the dental clinic at Tri-County Health System in Warrenton, Ga., a rural town approximately 50 miles west of Augusta.

“This clinic has really made me aware of the need for better access to dentistry,” said Brian Babb, a senior in the MCG School of Dentistry.

The dental school began staffing the clinic two years ago and has since provided approximately 2,500 dental services to some 2,100 patients, according to Dr. Richard S. Callan, MCG professor of oral rehabilitation.

Over half of the patients are uninsured, and about a third have Medicaid. Patients are charged on a sliding scale, and many would have no other source of dental care without the clinic. The faculty and volunteer dentists oversee treatment delivered by juniors and seniors in the dental school, whose service encompasses a portion of their clinical education. Travel expenses are partially defrayed by Georgia’s Area Health Education Consortium.

“Access to dental care is very limited in this area, so our students are meeting a real need,” said Dr. Carole Hanes, associate dean for students, admissions and alumni in the MCG School of Dentistry. “This collaboration has been mutually beneficial. The students treat patients in a rural environment and gain meaningful experience, and the patients receive the oral health care they need.”

The dentists and students man the clinic Monday through Thursday and treat up to 18 patients a day, including emergency visits. Education is a large component of the service they provide.

“Some of the people we see don’t know how to take care of their teeth,” said Brett Langston, a senior in the MCG School of Dentistry. “Education goes a long way in preventive care.”

“It can be very sad,” said his classmate, Aaron Larsen. “Some of the needs are really extensive. We take a comprehensive approach and try to reach out to the whole community. It’s particularly important to provide information to parents so they’ll be in a position to get their kids off to a good start in oral hygiene.”

They also emphasize health topics such as nutrition that can contribute to oral health problems. “This is another area that’s important to cover with parents, so children aren’t doing things like drinking sugar water out of a bottle,” said Brian.

Dr. Robert Comer, an MCG professor of oral diagnosis/patient services and oral rehabilitation who oversees the students’ treatment in the clinic on Thursdays, calls the current crop of MCG students a particularly talented and dedicated group. “These students have a lot of confidence and excellent communication skills,” he said. “They make the patients comfortable and make sure they have the information they need. And working with them in this environment gives me a chance to get to know them better, which is a pleasure.”

Dr. Hanes said she hopes the experience will lure some dental students to rural areas after they graduate. “Our hope is that this will encourage some of our students to consider rural practices in underserved areas,” she said. “We’ve already had some success: a 2004 graduate works in a small clinic in Gibson, Ga.”

“It’s very fulfilling work, particularly when the people who come in are in a lot of pain because their dental care has been neglected for a long time,” said Brett. “It’s a big relief to be able to meet their needs.”

--Christine Hurley Deriso

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Smiles Abound During ‘Give Kids a Smile Day’

“Why do teeth turn yellow?”
“What causes a toothache?”
“Will I need false teeth when I get old?”
“Will a dentist make me cry?”

These were just a few of the questions asked by Lamar Elementary School students during their Feb. 4 visit to the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry on Give Kids a Smile Day.

The Richmond County students were bused to the dental school for free treatment, oral hygiene tips, talks from local dignitaries (including the Tooth Fairy) and tooth-friendly goodie bags.

“Look at my wife’s beautiful smile,” Augusta-Richmond County Mayor Bob Young said when introducing his wife, Gwen Fulcher Young, to the schoolchildren. “Do you know why her smile is so beautiful? Because she brushes and flosses. If you take good care of your teeth, you’ll have a beautiful smile your whole life, even when you’re as old as the mayor.”

The children’s visit coincided with hundreds of Give Kids a Smile Day activities nationwide sponsored by the American Dental Association and Crest Oral Health Care to enhance access to dental care. MCG dental and dental hygiene students and faculty, plus volunteer dental health practitioners throughout Georgia, provided treatment and oral health education during the visit. Connie Larson, a dental hygienist from Blairsville, Ga., dressed as the Tooth Fairy and distributed Tooth Fairy pillows donated by the Georgia Dental Alliance.

“So many people worked hard to make this day a success,” said MCG School of Dentistry Dean Connie Drisko. “This is a big day for children and children’s oral health.”

In addition to getting their teeth cleaned, having sealants applied and having cavities filled, the children participated in several fun activities aimed at improving their oral hygiene skills. When dental hygiene student Misty Patrick explained the need for sealants, a fourth-grader asked her if getting the sealants would make her cry. “No. You won’t feel a thing. The dentist never makes me cry, and I cry really easily,” Misty teased.

When another child asked if dentures loomed in her future, Misty assured her, “If you take good care of your teeth, you’ll keep them your whole life.”

Marie Collins, chair of the MCG School of Allied Health Sciences Department of Dental Hygiene, noted that many of the visiting children lack regular dental care and could greatly benefit from the treatment and education. “They’re starting to get their permanent teeth, so sealants and other preventive measures can have lifelong benefits,” she said.

Dr. Shelley Mishoe, dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, agreed. “This is such a rewarding way to share our expertise with the community,” she said.

--Christine Hurley Deriso

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Founding Dean’s Wife Establishes Endowment

Jean Hickey, the widow of founding Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry Dean Judson C. Hickey, has donated $10,000 to establish a scholarship endowment for the school.

The endowment will fund an annual Judson C. Hickey Scholarship for an MCG dental student. The first scholarship will be awarded next fall.

“The students were foremost on his mind,” said Mrs. Hickey about her husband, who died Oct. 24. “He would like this way of helping them with their educations.”

Dr. Hickey served as dean of the dental school from 1966-87 and as MCG interim president from 1987-88.

“The School of Dentistry will always honor and cherish the contributions Dr. Hickey made to the dental profession and in establishing this outstanding institution,” said MCG School of Dentistry Dean Connie Drisko. “We hope the endowment will grow to become the flagship scholarship fund at the school.  It’s already off to a great start.”

For more information about the endowment or to make a contribution, please contact    Dale Crail, director of development for the School of Dentistry, at 706-721-8614.

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