MSA Dental Screening at ISBCC

This past Saturday, the Tufts Dental Muslim Student Association (MSA) organized a community dental screening event at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC). The goal was to promote oral health awareness and provide free screenings for community members interested in learning more about their dental needs. Throughout the day, our dental student volunteers served approximately 30–40 patients, ranging from college students to older adults.
   
   During the event, TUSDM students conducted basic oral screenings, educated patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, discussed the role of fluoride, diet, regular dental visits, and distributed oral hygiene kits. They also provided referrals to Tufts dental school for individuals requiring follow-up care. The ISBCC staff and volunteers were very welcoming and helped us create an inclusive, culturally comfortable environment where participants felt safe to ask questions and share their experiences.
   
   The event was highly successful and appreciated by the community. It provided encouragement to pursue dental care along with an opportunity for TUSDM students to apply clinical and communication skills in a real-world public health setting while learning the importance of cultural competency and trust-building in patient interactions.
   
  The experience demonstrated how community-based outreach can effectively reduce barriers to care and support oral health equity. The collaboration with ISBCC illustrated that healthcare extends beyond the clinic, emphasizing the importance of meeting individuals where they are, understanding diverse backgrounds, and tailoring education to community needs. Overall, the event highlighted the critical role of collaboration and community engagement in advancing public health and promoting equitable access to oral care.

A special thank you to:
   ISBCC Admin
   Dr. Shahad Abulhamael
   Komal Wasif, D27
   Omar Khan, IS26
   Samar Mohamed, IS26
   Ahmed W. Alla, IS26
   Seemat Chowdhury, D26
   Mudra Patel, D26
   Saad Obaid, D26
   Amr Chalabi, D29
   Laila El-Samra, D28
   Yumna Salih, D28
   Dr. Lujane Barakat, D25