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18 people are interested
Special Smiles (Dental) Volunteer
ORGANIZATION: Special Olympics Minnesota
Please visit the new page to apply.
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18 people are interested
Special Olympics will be hosting its Special Smiles Screening on Saturday, June 20 at our Summer Games in Saint Paul. Click on "I Want To Help" to receive information on how to sign up.
VOLUNTEER MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS BACKGROUND AND REQUIREMENTS
* Current licensure as a Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant, Dental Therapist & students of Dentistry, DH, DA & DT
The Healthy Athletes program is dedicated to providing health services and education to Special Olympics athletes, and changing the way health systems interact with people with intellectual disabilities. Through free health screenings, training of healthcare professionals, and evaluation of the health status of people with intellectual disabilities, Healthy Athletes has become a powerful public health organization worldwide.
Special Smiles is the dental health discipline of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes that provides athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take charge of their oral health. Special Smiles provides comprehensive oral health care information, offers free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to Special Olympics athletes. This also includes issuing preventative supplies, like toothpaste, toothbrushes and fluoride varnish.
IMPORTANCE AND IMPACT
Special Smiles screenings have found that a large percentage of Special Olympics athletes are unaware of the condition of their oral health. Athletes are evaluated through a series of stations that include: Oral Screening, Hygiene, Mouth Guards, and Fluoride.
- 46% have peridontal conditions
- 36% have untreated tooth decay
- 14% are in need of urgent care
- 12% have dental pain
Benefits of Helping Special Olympics Minnesota Special Smiles
- Feeling good about helping an athlete overcome the fear of visiting an oral health professional
- Seeing athletes go home with a free toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and gum.
- Enjoying the camaraderie of working together with a group of your fellow professionals
- Having the ability of increasing the number of patients in your practice: your practice will grow once word gets around that you work with persons with intellectual disabilities
3 Shifts
- Sat Jun 20, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 04:30 PM
- Sat Jun 20, 2020 - 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM
- Sat Jun 20, 2020 - 08:30 AM to 01:00 PM
More opportunities with Special Olympics Minnesota
3 ReviewsNo additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Special Olympics Minnesota
Location:
900 2nd Ave S, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402, US
Mission Statement
Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.
Description
Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community. We aim to build a culture that accepts and welcomes every single person regardless of ability or disability. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place-one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) trainings and competitions happen all year in locations across the state. We offer 16 Olympic-style sports. As a result, SOMN has something for you, whatever your age or skill level.
Through sports, our athletes celebrate their abilities, not their disabilities. Their world opens with acceptance and understanding, while becoming confident and empowered by their accomplishments. They make new friends, joining the most inclusive community on the planet-a global community that’s growing every day.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
University of Saint Thomas2115 Summit AveSaint Paul, MN 55105
DATE POSTED
February 10, 2020
SKILLS
- Dental
- Healthcare
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Orientation or Training
- 4-8 hour shift during event