Ann Arbor, MI — June 23, 2011 — “It was the best learning experience I have had outside the dental school,” said fourth-year dental student Jenna Comstock following her outreach rotation in Traverse City. 

For three days last month, Comstock and three other U-M dental students worked with a group of private practitioners in the area who volunteered their time and services; the Traverse Health Clinic, which serves low income, uninsured adults; and students in the dental assisting program at Northwestern Michigan College.  The four U-M dental students were supervised by School of Dentistry faculty members Drs. Howard Hamerink and Bill Piskorowski, the School’s director of outreach and community affairs.

Thirty-seven patients received dental care during the three days beginning May 19.  The work on the patients included 129 extractions, 14 crown restorations, and five crown preparations, a procedure that precedes placement of a final restoration.  The total value of the donated dental services exceeded $21,600.

Comstock said working in an oral surgery clinic was the best part of the rotation.  “My experiences in Traverse City, have increased my confidence and ability to problem solve and will help me during my final year of dental school,” she said.

Piskorowski thanked leaders at the Traverse Health Clinic and private practice dentists in the area who volunteered and helped U-M dental students.  “It was a great example of collaboration among many individuals and groups who are helping those most in need,” he said.  “We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with oral health care providers in the Traverse City area.”

Equally gratifying, according to Rene Louchart, dental health director of the Traverse Health Clinic, was that for each $100 worth of service the patients received, each patient agreed to provide four hours of service to a local non-profit organization of their choice ranging from Habitat for Humanity to the Women’s Resource Center to local churches or other groups.