Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for volunteering for this incredible event. We are honored to continue the 20-year legacy of hosting Give Kids a Smile Day at our dental hygiene program. Many people said that this year flowed very well, and the only thing we can contribute to is the dedication and amount of volunteers we had this year. You should be very proud.
And.......
We surpassed the goal of treating 100 patients; our final count of patients treated was 109!
Here are the 2025 GKAS day statistics:
109 exams
20 ortho evals
103 prophys
326 radiographs99 fluoride varnish treatments, 75 fillings, 4 SSCs, 5 pulpotomies, 18 extractions, and 11 SDF-treated teeth. An estimated $85,000 in dental treatment was provided in just one day!
On October 25, 2024, Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) proudly hosted its inaugural Veterans Smile Day, a special event dedicated to providing free, essential dental care to local veterans. Thanks to generous funding from the Mars Wrigley Community Service Grant, this first-time event served 22 veterans, delivering nearly $30,000 in complimentary dental treatments, including cleanings, scaling and root planing, fillings, and extractions.
The RCBC Dental Hygiene Clinic was filled with activity and compassion as 22 dental hygiene students teamed up with 30 experienced dental professionals and faculty members to offer high-quality care to those who have served our country. The event not only provided an invaluable learning experience for RCBC students, who had the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals, but it also allowed community volunteers to connect with veterans on a personal level.
One of the volunteer dental assistants expressed the significance of the event for her: “When I saw this come across my email, I knew I had to do this. My father was an Army veteran; he passed away about a year and a half ago. He was sick, and during his illness, the VA gave him so much to help with his quality of life. I knew when I saw this that I had to do this for the veterans. I wanted you to know this touched me to be able to give back to the community.”
To ensure continuity of care, veterans needing additional treatment were scheduled for follow-up appointments and provided with a list of local dental clinics to assist with any unmet needs after the event.
The Mars Wrigley Community Service Grant was instrumental in launching this initiative, enabling RCBC to reach veterans in need while fulfilling its mission to support community wellness. Veterans Smile Day is now a meaningful addition to RCBC’s community outreach efforts, and we look forward to expanding this event in the years to come.
A Grateful Acknowledgment:
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Mars Wrigley Foundation, as well as the RCBC students, faculty, and volunteers who helped bring this event to life. Your dedication and generosity have made a powerful difference, ensuring that local veterans receive the care and recognition they deserve.
Dr. Suzanne Land presented three dental hygiene students with a $500 scholarship to use to further their education and careers.
From left to right--Jasman Kaur (DHY class of 2024), Dr. Suzanne Land (dentist and supporter of the DHY clinic, practicing in Moorestown, NJ, Grace Ann Bartley-Anglin (DHY class of 2024), Veronika Mendez (DHY class of 2025).
Rowan College at Burlington County
900 College Circle
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Website: www.rcbc.edu/dental
Program Director:
Amy Shah RDH, MDH
ashah@rcbc.edu
(856)242-5234
Student Advisor:
Faith Zimnes RDH
Join us in congratulating Amy Shah, RDH, MDH (Southern), the winner of the 2024 Mary Jane Kellogg Dutton Faculty Award winner. The Award will be presented during 10.19.24 Annual Conference Opening Session.
Danielle Alvarez
INTEGRITY IN DENTAL HYGIENE
This award is presented to a student who has exhibited integrity throughout the Dental Hygiene program and demonstrated the ability to practice as a professional with academic and ethical standards.
GURENLIAN STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is presented to one second year student at each New Jersey Dental Hygiene Program who exhibits outstanding leadership qualities. This award will assist NJDHA in identifying future leaders in the Dental Hygiene profession.
Veronika Mendez
SNJDA AWARD FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
This award recognizes a student who demonstrated clinical excellence while exhibiting ethical standards and
Caitlin McLeod
SOUTHERN NJDHA
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE in COMMUNICATION
This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding communication skills within the field of dental hygiene, showcasing exceptional abilities in effectively communicating with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.
Nominate a faculty member for the Mary Jane Kellogg Dutton Faculty Mentorship Award
Click Here for the NJDHA Awards page
ADHA National Board Review Board Prep at a good price!
HU-FRIEDY GOLDEN SCALER AWARD
Sarah Bernardes
Presented to the student who demonstrated exceptional clinical precision and consistency in calculus removal. This award honors the individual with the fewest grade deductions in this critical skill area, reflecting their dedication to excellence and commitment to delivering the highest standard of patient care.
ACADEMIC AWARD
Angelina Grozozski
DELTA DENTAL
SCHOLARSHIPS
Eva Sepulveda
Veronika Mendez
Ghena Mamoun
Sarah Bernardes
