Congratulations to the University of Alberta (U of A) Dental Students Association (DSA) for raising $35,000 for the non-profit organization Dentistry for All. Dentistry for All is 100 per cent run and supported by volunteers. Its members are dedicated to providing dental education and preventative, surgical and restorative care to the poor in numerous developing communities around the world.
The DSA have been raising money for Dentistry for All and for Kindness in Action (KIA) for the past three years alternating their fundraising efforts each year between the two non-profit organizations. Monies raised go towards purchasing necessary equipment and supplies they need to run the clinics abroad. All dental volunteers cover their own travel costs.
KIA was brought to fruition in 1993 by a 1990 U of A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) grad-Dr. Amil Shapka, and Dentistry for All was established by U of A faculty member and 1978 DDS grad, Dr. Dennis Bedard and his wife, Bev.
Dennis and Bev are currently on a six-week mission in Nicaragua. This is Dennis' twelfth time traveling to Nicaragua to complete a dental mission. Dennis has also completed dental missions in some of the world's poorest regions in the Philippines and Guatemala.
Dental and dental-hygiene students at the U of A are eager to share what they are learning, and to help others around the world. During Reading Week this year, 16 more students will head out and participate in a dental mission.
"All of the people of Guatemala were so gracious for the treatment that they received, and I'm so glad I was able to help. Not only did it open my eyes that we are so fortunate here in Canada to have easily accessible dental care, but it also allowed me to reflect on how very fortunate we are in general," said Alyssa Biasini, fourth year DDS student who participated in a mission last year.
The DSA is grateful for the support they receive each year, and would like to give special acknowledgement to Kingsway Oral Surgery for being a platinum sponsor for the past three years. Their support makes a huge difference for their cause.
Additionally, every year a few School of Dentistry faculty members sponsor the DSA-driven event, and this year was no different. The DSA thanks the School of Dentistry faculty and staff for their support. This year they had 18 Bronze sponsors, including seven faculty members, as well as sponsorship in the following categories:
- Platinum
Kingsway Oral Surgery - Gold
Sphinx Orthodontics
Align Ortho
Dental Surgery Group
ADA+C - Silver
Dental Choice
Sinclair Dental