National recognition for USask DMD student
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) student and DIRECT Dental co-founder Kristen Kezar has been shortlisted for a national Leaders in Practice award.
On October 20, 2018, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) students Kristen Kezar, Mary Tait, Christopher Bertsch and Christy MacPherson cut the ribbon to officially open DIRECT Dental—an emergency dental clinic in Saskatoon run by dental students and volunteer support professionals.
Now, Kezar has made the short list for a national award from Leaders in Practice, a group that recognizes excellence in the dentistry field.
In a recent interview with CBC, the clinic co-founder said she was excited to be nominated. "But the thing I'm most proud of is how Direct is going so far. It's been going really, really well."
The clinic, which opens on Saturdays, treats people who are in pain but don't have insurance or the means to pay for treatment.
Since the clinic opened, the volunteer staff have helped about 70 people with their teeth. Many of the cases they deal with are serious.
Right now 174 people — dental students, dental hygenists, assistants and therapists — volunteer at the clinic.
Anyone can vote in the Leaders in Practice contest online. Winners can receive as much as $5,000 and will receive a feature in Oral Health magazine. Voting closes Jan. 31.
For more information, please read the complete CBC article.