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The Pediatric Interested Dental Students (PIDS) organization, founded by students in the ��������ϲ����� College of Dental Medicine, has been recognized in the March 2017 issue of Pediatric Dentistry Today, the magazine of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

The publication featured PIDS in its “AAPD Predoctoral Chapter Spotlight” column. Founding president Lynne Cataldo (CDM, ‘17), and rising co-presidents Priya Katwala (CDM, ‘17) and Minjin Yoo, (CDM, ‘18) stated that the mission of their organization is to “promote a better understanding and appreciation of dentistry for infants, children and people with special needs among dental students.” Further, the focus of PIDS is on “fostering a relationship between dental students and the pediatric community through educational presentations, interprofessional networking, and community outreach projects.”

Since September 2015, PIDS has run an oral health literacy program, Tooth Fairies on the Ferry, which has landed a $1,000 grant from the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation. The organization has also educated more than 200 children in the greater Portland area about nutrition and hygiene, and provided them with oral healthcare supplies.

This year, the group created a new pilot program in conjunction with National Literacy month, titled “Book, Brush, Bedtime," in partnership with the Maine Woman, Infants and Children Nutrition Program. “We had the pleasure of counseling parents on healthy eating and behavioral changes they can make to improve their child’s quality of life,” said Cataldo. “We look to continuing these outreach efforts in the future, and making a difference in the lives of children and special needs populations in our community.”

To learn more about the College of Dental Medicine, visit www.une.edu/dentalmedicine

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions