U-M Dental Students in Traverse City in July

Ann Arbor, MI - June 02, 2009 - A group of dental students from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry will travel to Traverse City this summer to provide oral health care to migrant workers and their families. This year's program, now in its 36th year, begins Monday, July 13, and ends Friday, July 24.

During those two weeks, eight students will offer basic services including screenings, oral exams, and cleanings at the Northwest Michigan Health Services, 10767 Traverse Highway in Traverse City from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. When necessary, extractions, fillings, and X-rays will also be provided.

In addition to providing care, the dental students will instruct adults and children on correct ways to care for their teeth and offer advice on other steps they can take, such as correct tooth brushing and flossing techniques, to improve their oral health.

Dental students will be supervised by Dr. Irma Galvaldon, a U-M graduate in restorative dentistry. Dr. Robert Bagramian, program director and professor of dentistry in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, said the dental students selected to participate have demonstrated a commitment to serving others and are in the upper level of their class, both clinically and academically.