by Elbert Tom, MPH, DDS
As the holiday season draws near, UCLA dental students once again demonstrated their commitment to serving the community by participating in a large-scale humanitarian effort. This year, their focus was on addressing the dental needs of the underserved population in the Compton/Watts area of Los Angeles, a region where access to healthcare services is often limited.
In collaboration with Healing California, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free healthcare to those in need, the event brought essential dental care to nearly 100 individuals.
The organization supplied state-of-the-art equipment and materials, enabling the student volunteers and healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive services.
These services included oral hygiene education, oral cancer screenings, dental cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions, all of which significantly improved the oral health of the attendees while instilling in them the importance of seeking professional dental care on a regular basis.
What made this initiative even more impactful was its multidisciplinary approach. Beyond dental care, the event featured medical screenings, triage services, and ophthalmologic care. Vision specialists provided refraction tests and distributed prescription glasses to individuals on-site, ensuring that participants left with improved health and well-being across multiple areas.
Catherine Johnson, a third-year dental student at UCLA, expressed her enthusiasm for volunteering at such events. “I love participating and volunteering at events like this to help those in need. It’s incredibly rewarding and gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she shared.
Her sentiment echoes the spirit of service that drives these initiatives, underscoring the importance of using professional skills to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
By bringing together dental, medical, and vision services under one roof, this event exemplified the power of community-driven healthcare. It not only addressed critical health needs but also fostered a sense of hope and connection during a time of year meant for giving and gratitude.
About the Author
Dr. Elbert Tom is Group Practice Director and Health Care Clinical Assistant Professor, UCLA School of Dentistry.
Related Articles
Fall 2025 Update from Amazon Promise
Amazon Promise delivered comprehensive healthcare and infrastructure support to Peru’s remote Amazon communities, serving over 950 people through medical outreach while completing clean water systems in Betsaida and Puerto Prado.
Letter From Guatemala: When Helping Hands Meet Open Hearts – My Story Volunteering Abroad with Global Dental Relief
Karen Coleman vividly recounts her transformative August 2024 volunteer experience with Global Dental Relief, navigating Guatemala’s vibrant streets, clinics, and communities. Her heartfelt account reveals the powerful blend of compassion, culture, and service that defines GDR’s impact.
Transforming Smiles Across Ohio: Dr. Daniel Stowe’s Legacy of Compassionate Dental Care
Dr. Daniel Stowe’s recognition as Ohio’s Free Clinic Dentist of the Year by the Charitable Healthcare Network celebrates his extraordinary dedication to providing dental care for over 30,000 underserved patients and mentoring future healthcare professionals throughout Columbus communities.