Community Outreach: A Healthy Start

Dozens of Augusta-area youths received free dental care June 23, thanks to a DCG collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta and Augusta Partnership for Children Inc.

The event, funded by DCG’s Health Resources and Services Administration grant, matched the Department of Pediatric Dentistry with attendees of a summer camp serving the Augusta area’s four Boys & Girls Clubs. The nonprofit clubs work with volunteers to offer safe and fun recreational and educational opportunities for children and teens during non-school hours.

Participating DCG Department of Pediatrics residents and faculty provided the 55 youths with screenings, treatment, referrals and oral health education.

Says Carlos J. Daniels, chief operations office of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, “We are grateful for this partnership, knowing that good dental health is critical to kids’ ability to perform in school. The Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to teaching healthy lifestyles that foster success in school and in life. Educating children on the importance of good dental hygiene is key in building healthy habits, and I’m happy the DCG chose to serve the community in this way. It’s community partnerships like this one that help us connect youth with access to services that have a positive impact on their overall health and well-being.”

 Adds Candice L. Hillman, executive director of Augusta Partnership for Children Inc., “For me, making community connections and building relationships are not just duties listed on my job description. These things are part of my daily life, and I am very passionate about them.”

Ketarya D. Hunt Bass, director of DCG community outreach programs, is thrilled the partnership reaped such ample rewards. “We wanted to make a significant impact,” she says, “and we all worked together to make this happen. I am extremely grateful for the willingness of each partner to participate and their enthusiasm to make this project successful. I hope this is the start of a long-term partnership with many more opportunities to collaborate in the future.”