Neelam Shah DMD 14 Wants to Educate Local Mothers
Neelam Shah DMD 14 wants women to know just how important oral health is during and after their pregnancy. The second-year dental student recognizes that there are misconceptions out there about oral health that many women believe to be fact.
Earlier this year Shah came up with an idea to integrate the OB/GYN and Dental Departments at the South End Community Health Center (SECHC) so that the mothers and soon-to-be-mothers attending the Center could have more access to oral health information and treatment.
She said, “Through this project I hope to educate pregnant women and their children on the importance of oral health, reverse the misconception of the safety of dental care during pregnancy, and encourage mothers to seek treatment for periodontal disease and dental caries for themselves and their children.”
Once Shah came up with the idea she applied for and won a Paul Ambrose Scholarship—a scholarship that introduces health professions students to influential public health professionals and prepares them to be leaders in addressing health challenges. The Scholarship pays for students to attend a three-day leadership symposium and conduct a funded community-based health education project, in this case Shah’s integration project at the SECHC.
“The Paul Ambrose Scholars Program was a unique experience for me because they selected individuals from different professional fields, including dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and osteopathic and allopathic doctors,” said Shah. “I was able to attend the three-day symposium in Washington, DC, which served as a guide to learning strategies of how to implement my project from various leaders in the political and academic fields and from my fellow peers. I learned a great deal about health policy, project planning, and healthcare finance and delivery.”
She continued, “Paul Ambrose Scholars Alumni also gave presentations on their own projects and what they have been able to accomplish since they joined the public health arena; I was truly inspired and shocked at the impact that a few people can have on their local community when they pull together for a common cause.”
Before attending the Symposium, Shah had never completed any leadership training, outside of Girl Scouts. She had volunteered at various health fairs, trying to increase awareness on the importance of oral health, but really she sees this project as a jumping off point for her involvement in public health.
She added, “The biggest thing I have learned from the program is that you should not be afraid to ask for help. There are many people who are willing to support your cause if you have the courage to reach out to them. One of the best memories I have was meeting Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, and talking with her on the importance of good oral health.” She continued, “I was surprised at the overwhelming support from the Paul Ambrose and BU community and I know this is only the beginning. I am very excited to continue to speak to our local leaders to improve the health of Boston residents.”
Shah encourages other students to get involved and to apply for the Paul Ambrose Scholarship, explaining, “It’s a great program to network and make friends in different professions, while learning how to conduct your own public health project.”
Shah also mentions that she is very grateful to Clinical Instructor Dr. Corinna Culler for her assistance and guidance throughout the entire process.
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter recently met with Shah and Dr. Culler to offer his congratulations. He said, “Being selected for the Paul Ambrose Scholarship Program is a wonderful opportunity for Neelam and I know that Dr. Culler will provide excellent mentorship and guidance to her throughout this process. We, as a School, are very proud of Neelam and will continue to provide her with whatever support is needed for her to complete this outstanding project.”