Volunteering at Hope Dental Clinic provides meaning and joy to alumni
Two alumni have found joy and fulfillment volunteering their time at Hope Dental Clinic.
A dental clinic originally operated out of Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, Hope Dental Clinic seeks to provide dental care for those in need, whether or not they can pay. The clinic relies heavily on dental volunteers—including School of Dentistry students and alumni.
Patrick McGann, DDS ’02, is a dentist with his own practice in Lake Elmo, MN, but he began volunteering with Hope shortly after he completed his residency with the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
“My residency had an emphasis in oral surgery, so I became proficient in extractions, which is a big need at the Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic, now Hope Dental Clinic,” McGann explained. “I enjoy working with the patients and students, and helping to share what I learned.”
Mikaela Maier, DDS ’22, started volunteering at Hope as a dental student herself, continuing throughout her residency and now while she works as a general dentist in the Northwest suburbs.
“I wanted to help patients that are in need of care and cannot afford treatment,” she said of her decision to volunteer. “It has also been a great opportunity to continue practicing dentistry and learn. When I was in school, I loved coming to volunteer on extraction night. It was rewarding to help patients that are in pain, and get their tooth out. It was also a great opportunity to learn more about extractions and oral surgery!”
McGann volunteers on Wednesday evenings, mentoring School of Dentistry students. “The students are great to work with. Everyone really wants to be there to get more experience and learn as much as they can, so I try to make it a positive experience,” he said. “The patients are always so grateful for what we do there.”
Maier, similarly, works with patients on whatever their main concern is—whether an examination, fillings, or an extraction. “The support staff at the clinic are awesome, and so helpful along the way,” she said. “Volunteering at Hope is enjoyable because of the staff and the patients.”
Both McGann and Maier value the opportunity to give back to a community that has helped them grow. “Watching the Hope Dental Clinic grow from the Union Gospel Mission to a standalone clinic, and working with all of the people who have committed to make it successful, has been meaningful.”
“I have been so blessed with opportunities that I have been given to go to school and become a dentist,” Maier reflected. “It’s important to me to use the things that I’ve learned and help others.”
From sharpening their Spanish, to learning skills that they can pass on to the next generation of oral health professionals, volunteering at Hope has been a great experience for both McGann and Maier.
“Volunteering is an awesome opportunity to learn and meet others in the community and throughout the dental school,” said Maier. “Patients are very grateful for your time when volunteering, and they make it well worth it.”
McGann agreed. “You will meet great people who are all very supportive and flexible with your volunteering time,” he said. “The best way to get better at something is to do it. At Hope Dental Clinic you have the opportunity to enhance your dental skills in an ideal environment.”