Community Outreach Programs expands oral health outreach

From April through July, Dental College of Georgia Community Outreach Programs (COP) connected with hundreds of community members through health fairs, resource events and outreach initiatives across the CSRA. These events provided opportunities to share oral health education, connect prospective patients with dental services at the DCG and provide essential oral hygiene supplies.

In April, COP participated in four community events. At the Community Support Services Health & Resource Fair hosted by Serenity Behavioral Health at May Park on April 23, COP distributed more than 250 customized oral health kits and shared information about accessing dental care at DCG. The kits were made possible through funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Two days later, COP joined Faith Outreach Church’s Community Day Out & Health Fair in Hephzibah, where more than 250 customized oral health kits were provided to children and families. COP also answered questions about oral health and shared information about dental services available through DCG.

On April 28, COP participated in the third annual Fresh Air Fest, hosted by the Georgia Cancer Center’s Tobacco Cessation Team. The event focused on tobacco and smoking cessation and gave COP an opportunity to educate Augusta University students about the effects of tobacco use on oral health. Nearly 200 customized oral health kits were distributed, along with information about dental care at DCG. COP also joined Project Refresh’s monthly showers and resources event on April 30. With assistance from student volunteer Jada Erickson, COP provided nearly 200 customized oral health kits to adults and children, along with educational materials about maintaining good oral health and making informed decisions about dental care.

Outreach continued in June. At a health fair hosted by Bon Air Apartments on June 25, COP provided oral health education and information about DCG’s dental services. Nearly 100 customized oral health kits were distributed to residents and about 10 prospective patients were connected with DCG. On June 30, COP returned to Project Refresh for its monthly showers and resources event. Nearly 200 customized oral health kits were distributed to adults and children, along with oral health education and information about accessing dental care.

Most recently, COP participated in the First Metropolitan Baptist Church Health Fair on July 18. The event brought community members together to learn about local health resources. COP distributed nearly 150 customized oral health kits, provided oral health education and connected attendees with information about dental services at DCG.

Across these seven outreach events, COP distributed more than 1,300 customized oral health kits, made possible through HRSA funding. The kits provide oral hygiene supplies and educational materials that support healthy habits while helping community members learn more about available dental care.

COP appreciates the community organizations, volunteers and partners who make these outreach opportunities possible. Through continued collaboration and education, COP is helping expand access to oral health resources and promote healthier smiles throughout the CSRA.