The season of giving is here. As a dental professional you can show your compassion and care outside of the office. You can do this through dentistry community service.
Key takeaways:
- Host a free dentistry day to encourage people to focus on their oral health.
- Contribute to community development by offering dental care for underserved populations.
- Donate oral health kits to organizations that support those in need.
- Volunteer your time and expertise in community outreach programs.
- Ease children's anxieties about the dentist by reading dental-themed books.
- Engage with your community through team volunteering activities.
It is your time to share the incredible impact of oral health on overall wellbeing. You can provide dental check-ups and oral health education. Moreover, seize the opportunity to make a direct difference in your community. You can do this by engaging in various volunteer activities.
To get you started, here are our tips to help you take part in community service.
Free Dentistry Day
Bring new people to your practice by hosting a free dentistry day. You can discuss and show the process of a routine dental checkup and cleaning. This will encourage people in your community to rethink their oral health. They may even come in for regular visits. Consider partnering with nonprofits like Dentistry from the Heart or Give Back a Smile.
Dental Care for Underserved Populations
Contribute to community development by providing dental care to underserved populations. In addition to free dental day, offer gift certificates or discounts. They could apply it to procedures like fillings. Explore organizations offering grants like the AAPD Foundation or RHIhub to offset your costs.
Donate Oral Health Kits
Spread the importance of dental care by packing oral health kits. They should include essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste. You can also add extra swag for the kids to make it fun. Then donate them to organizations that support seniors, children, and families in need. Check resources like guidestar.org to find nonprofits in your area. Or do a general search for local organizations and churches.
Community Outreach
One way to impact your community is to volunteer your time and expertise. Through outreach programs you can promote oral hygiene, healthy habits, and nutritious eating. Also organize free dental checkups for vulnerable populations. You can do this by collaborating with schools, businesses, and local organizations.
Story Time
Easing a child’s anxieties about going to the dentist is key. Having your local neighborhood dentist reading dental-themed books takes away some of the fear. You can team with local libraries to read books like Brush, Brush, Brush or Berenstain Bears Go to the Dentist.
Team Volunteering
Another way to engage with people in your community is through onsite volunteering. You can go within your community for activities. Packing meals at food banks or serving at soup kitchens. This will benefit the people around you. And it also serves as an excellent team-building exercise. So, get your crew together.
We hope these tips can help you and your team in your community initiatives. Ultimately it can help build your practice reputation. Thank you for reading.
For more tips: Check out this free patient tipsheet. You can use it to educate your patients about keeping a healthy and happy smile!
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Connect with our dedicated provider relations team for more information about joining our network. You can call 1.877.760.2247 or email providerrelations@solsticebenefits.com.
Already in the Solstice network?
Search to see if you're part of the Solstice dental PPO or HMO network. You can also go to https://www.mysolstice.net/ or call us at 1.877.760.2247.
