Serving beyond Moos Tower | A message from the Dean

A component of the school’s strategic plan is to increase community engagement. As the state's only dental school, our actions and commitment must go beyond the classrooms and clinics of Moos Tower. At times our actions go beyond oral health. Engaging the community can take on many forms and means we step out Moos Tower and serve Minnesotans in a variety of settings. Sometimes it is direct patient care, such as serving at the Hope Dental Clinic or the Mission of Mercy, and other times it is our presence at the State Fair, at health fairs, or volunteering at a K-12 school. For many of us, this service and engagement is done individually at favorite charities. But the most important thing is that we all serve and engage with the community.

Last summer several members of the School of Dentistry's leadership spent a Saturday morning working with a national philanthropic organization, Feed My Starving Children, that supplies meals to children in need. We spent time learning about the devastating impact of hunger worldwide, and how packing food boxes would  benefit many children suffering. It was great for us to work together and with others to address hunger. Some of you may be like me, with food to spare, and no concerns of missing a meal because of lack of food. It can be hard to imagine people without food, but this small activity can have a big impact in people’s lives. Last year, my wife and I were also able to serve similarly at a Juneteenth event in North Minneapolis, packing grocery bags full of fresh vegetables and fruit with the Haven Pantry to distribute to event attendees.

This summer and the rest of 2024 will provide School of Dentistry faculty, staff and students with many opportunities to make a difference somewhere in our state outside of Moos Tower. I encourage you to find places to engage the community as SOD groups and individuals. Every effort you make will make a tremendous impact in someone’s life.