Temple Collaborates With MOM-n-PA to Make a Difference
By Kelly A . Holst , DMD , Assistant Professor in Restorative Dentistry Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to live life differently . From wearing masks , to utilizing a digital platform for work , to gathering in small groups outside to socialize . During a time where social distancing forces us six feet apart , humanity must find a way to band together and continue to help those in need .
Just outside the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry is the Tree of Peace sculpture with this inscription :
“… If civilization is to survive , we must cultivate the science of human relationships – the ability of all peoples , of all kinds to live together , in the same world at peace .”
Franklin Delano Roosevelt wrote these words back in 1945 as part of his last message to the American people . It is a message of hope he delivered following a brutal and devastating war that changed the lives of millions of people . A message we should all embrace today .
We channeled this message of hope and unity in September 2021 when Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry and the Mission of Mercy in Pennsylvania ( MOM-n-PA ) joined together to help others by hosting a free dental clinic , despite the uncertainty of the pandemic . We provided access to free dental care for all Pennsylvanians and especially served the community surrounding the dental school in North Philadelphia .
It was a joy to serve as the Temple facility chair , and I am very proud of the collaborative efforts from both Temple and MOM-n-PA . Together , we successfully hosted the first
paperless MOM-n-PA event in a dental school environment and provided dental treatment for those in need .
Something unique to this event was our ability to promote primary medical and dental care for a population of patients that have so many unmet needs . With the help of the Greater Philadelphia Health Action ( GPHA ) team within the dental school , we were able to offer COVID vaccines in addition to screenings for diabetes and hypertension . Several patients presented without a medical home , so it was a priority for us to establish that for them and bridge the gap between dental and systemic health .
Almost half of the patients treated at the two-day event signed up to become patients at Temple Dental School , and we have seen many of them return for continued care in our clinics . Providing the structure for continuity of care to support these patients promotes a comprehensive care approach that we foster at Temple Dental school daily .
Successfully facilitating an event of this nature during this unique time was only possible as a result of a team of providers that care a great deal for others . This was a team willing to show up and do the work even if it is complicated and difficult . FDR ’ s quote above goes on to say , “… Let me assure you that my hand is the steadier for the work that is to be done , that I move more firmly into the task , knowing that you – millions and millions of you – are joined with me in the resolve to make this work endure .”
Both Temple Dental and MOM-n-PA joined in resolve to make the work endure , and by working together we truly made a difference in the health , and in the lives , of so many others .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 27