VCU School of Dentistry to Participate in Project Homeless Connect

By Cheryle Rodriguez

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry will participate in the 6^th annual Project Homeless Connect, an event that provides dental care, employment assistance and other services to the homeless. 

Project Homeless Connect will take place Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North Third St., 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Approximately 55 volunteers, most of them students, have volunteered to participate by treating homeless adults with urgent dental care needs and connecting them to dental services in the area. 

“Participation in the project achieves mutually beneficial goals—improved access to oral health for an underserved population and the School of Dentistry’s commitment to educating students who will serve the needs of the public and improve the health and well-being of society,” said Kim Isringhausen, assistant professor and chair, Department of Oral Health Promotion and Community Outreach. 

Earlier this year, dentistry students and staff participated in the Mission of Mercy project as part of the Remote Area Medical clinic in Wise County, Va., where they provided services for hundreds of uninsured and underinsured.

More than 30 service providers are expected to participate in Project Homeless Connect.