UF’s College of Dentistry is looking for volunteers who are willing to serve as patients for DMD state board exams.
The college is looking for about 300 volunteers 20- to 40-years old with certain cavity or periodontal gum issues. They should not have seen a dentist in the last few months, said Richelle Janiec, College of Dentistry coordinator for clinical programs.
She said not all patients scanned will be accepted for the free service.
The clinical portion of the exam tests the students’ competency to perform the skills they’ve learned in school, Janiec said.
“Successful completion of the state dental board examination leads the board candidate to become licensed to practice dentistry in the state of Florida,” she said.
Each year, volunteers are asked to sit as patients for this exam.
UF student Dominique Jonas said she wouldn't participate because she has her own licensed dentist. She said she understands the importance of good dental hygiene.
“I think it’s really important,” said the 21-year-old civil engineering junior. “You only get one set of teeth, so you don’t really want to neglect them or ignore it.”
Some of the procedures that will be performed on volunteers are fillings and periodontal scaling, which is deep gum and root surface cleaning in the mouth.
The Florida Board of Dentistry and the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners Inc. will supervise the exam.
“This is an excellent opportunity for local patients to receive free, high-quality dental care while also contributing to the licensure of a student dentist,” Janiec said.
