Baylor College of Dentistry Outreach Highlights

Special Olympics Special Smiles

Special Olympics Special Smiles was a rousing success for athletes and volunteers alike when Baylor College of Dentistry sponsored the event for the fourth year in May 2003. Dental and dental hygiene students interacted with the athletes and became more aware of the oral health needs of this special patient population. The event drew 328 Special Olympics athletes who were given dental screenings by student teams of two. Baylor College of Dentistry volunteers included 41 students, 33 staff members and eight faculty members.

National Student Research Group of the American Association for Dental Research

Two Baylor College of Dentistry students were elected to lead the National Student Research Group of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR), demonstrating the quality and involvement of BCD students in research efforts and their commitment to advancing dental research and its related disciplines. Erik Kern, who was elected president, and Joe Rawlins, who was elected vice president, head the 1,200-member group comprised of dental students from schools in the United States and Canada. BCD's Student Research Group, also led by Kern, has been recognized by the AADR as the group having the greatest number and percentage of new student members.

Tooth Talk

Through Baylor College of Dentistry's Tooth Talk program, third- and fourth-year dental students make educational presentations to 6,000-7,000 elementary, middle and high school students every year. Children in pre-school through grade six receive information on oral hygiene, nutrition, and tobacco information. Dentistry as a career choice is included in presentations to middle and high school students.

Dental Health Check Television Program

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Science at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation. Dental Health Check airs in the Dallas area at 6 a.m. on News 8 at Daybreak and noon on News 8 at midday every Monday on WFAA-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth. The program is also seen throughout Texas on Texas Cable News (TXCN).

Lichen Planus Support Group

BCD hosts an international support group for Oral Lichen Planus patients, their families, and health practitioners. Lichen Planus is a chronic disease of the mouth and skin affecting about 2% of the world's population. Through the website, people can find answers to common questions, join an email discussion list, and participate in periodic live online discussions involving BCD staff and invited experts.