Special Olympics Summer Games

On Saturday, June 8th, the Tufts Special Smiles Chapter volunteered at the Special Olympics Summer Games on both the Harvard and Boston University campuses.

D25 students volunteered at Harvard University as dental screeners and recorders at the Special Olympics Special Smiles dental tent, along with faculty and students from Tufts Smiles Squad, BU Dental, and MCPHS.
   
Volunteers provided over 100 individuals of all ages with free dental screenings and fluoride varnish treatments, including several children and their families who were not athletes but were interested in dental health. Athletes and families stopped at the hygiene table to learn more about maintaining oral health, eating healthy foods, and practicing brushing on animal puppets!
   

Additionally, a group of Tufts students volunteered at the Unified Track and Field event at Boston University, along with the MDS and other dental students in Boston. They facilitated the events and supported and cheered on the athletes to ensure a safe and fun day.
   
These experiences are not only a ton of fun but also prepare us to welcome individuals with special needs into our schools and practices.
   
A special thanks to Professor Dolan, Dr. Forero, Dr. Papathanasiou, Dr. Wallach from Tufts, Ms. Kathy Lituri, and Ms. Stacey McNamee from BU for making this event possible! Special Smiles can’t wait for next year!
   
D25 screening tent student volunteers: Jessica Jordan, Natalie Masone, Jeancarlos Ferman, Moses Kim, Sara Naser, Erika Magana, Jaela Stith, and Megha Kanabar
  

Track and Field student volunteers: Tatiana Ozone, Kent Morris, Xiomara Ruiz Morales, Danny Asfoura, Debra Baskerville, and Lawrence Parzygnat
   
Faculty volunteers: Dr. Martha Forero, Dr. Karen Wallach, Dr. Katerina Papathanasiou, Dr. Rashmi Pillai, and Dr. Wai Kee Lee