BUGSDM Volunteers Give Olympians Something to Smile About

On June 14 volunteers from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM) and numerous other schools in the Boston academic community turned out in force at the Special Olympics Massachusetts games at Harvard Stadium. Their mission was to provide free dental screenings to the athletes as part of the Healthy Athletes® Special Smiles® initiative. Volunteers also distributed goodie bags with toothpaste, a toothbrush, a mouth guard, and a referral list of dentists.

Dr. Steve Perlman PEDO 76 MSD 76 worked with BUGSDM and Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver to start the program in 1993. Today Special Smiles® has 60,000 health volunteers and 500,000 athletes have been screened worldwide.

"It is wonderful to see the collaboration between the Boston academic community grow each year at this event," said Dr. Perlman. "By working together the volunteers are helping to improve the quality of life and access to care for intellectually disabled children and adults." Added Dr. Perlman, "This event is special to me because it’s where it all started back in 1993.  Since then Special Smiles® has grown into the biggest global movement for children and adults with intellectual disabilities."

Dr. Perlman also thanked Director of Alumni Relations Stacey McNamee and Associate Professor Dr. Paul Farsai for their dedication in organizing the successful event.