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Pitt Dental Medicine
To celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the ADA’ s GKAS program, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine’ s Department of Pediatric Dentistry, and the student chapter, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, continued their annual support of this important initiative.
This year’ s event consisted of eight half-day sessions with five to six patients per session. Dental students, pediatric dental residents and pediatric dental faculty worked together to provide dental care to uninsured children and adolescents.
Chaired by Angelina Domenick and Megan Hunter( Class of 2027) the GKAS program had an Under the Sea theme, where the student chapter hung up decorations in the reception area and clinic. Gift bags with sunglasses, bubbles, toothbrushes and dental floss( partially provided by the American Dental
Foundation and Henry Schein Corporation) were given to each patient.
“ Having the opportunity to provide free care to children in need is invaluable to us as students and future dentists,” Domenick said.“ We dedicate countless hours to studying and refining our skills in the lab, striving to become excellent dentists. However, events like GKAS Days are where I gain the most meaningful learning experiences. We are so grateful to coordinate these events and get our student body involved in the pediatric dental clinic!”
Hunter added,“ As co-chair of GKAS Days, it’ s truly an honor to be part of an initiative that brings essential dental care to children in Pittsburgh. I cannot wait to see how it continues to evolve and positively impact pediatric oral health and healthy smiles.”
Thank You for Volunteering
PDA would like to thank our member dentists for the continued success of the promotion of NCDHM. From promoting awareness to children and families in their local communities to sponsoring events and activities, the efforts of our members are valuable and appreciated. A special thank you goes to PDA’ s statewide NCDHM Chair, Dr. Sam Mansour for his continued support and enthusiasm for endorsing NCDHM.
“ As another year has sunset on NCDHM, I am again impressed with the entries and especially the finalists,” said Dr. Mansour.“ I want to thank the schools for their participation, the PDA staff for their continued efforts, and you, the PDA member, for your support of the month. Though this month is over and the winner announced, as healthcare providers, we must continue to lead the effort in oral health.”
We are always looking for suggestions to improve and increase the participation from our schools. Please send your ideas to zlk @ padental. org. Thank you in advance.
28 MAY / JUNE 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL