April 12-14, the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon held the 120th Annual Session of the Oregon Dental Association (ODA) and marked the 15th year at the Convention Center. The conference is the concurrent meeting of the ODA, the Oregon Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OSOMS), the Oregon State Association of Endodontics (OSAE), the Oregon Society of Periodontists (OSP), the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry (OAGD), the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (OAPD), the Oregon Dental Assistants Association (ODAA), The Oregon Dental Executives’ Association (ODEA), as well as a place for hygienists and laboratory technicians from throughout the northwest to meet.
The ODC brings together different types of dentists from the area for classes, lectures and networking. There are exhibit hours during the day where people can mingle and visit an exhibit hall that has corporations, schools, and some dental volunteer programs at different booths and courtesy tables. Lois, Bruce, and Jennie were manning a booth at this event to help spread the word about Great Shape! Inc. and specifically the 1000 Smiles dental project. Lois has been a part of the GS family as an active volunteer for 8 years! This year she will be with the Sealant Project in May and June then looking forward to returning in the fall with either SuperKids or 1000 Smiles.
“My learning came from going to the paid vendor booths throughout the conference and seeing what kinds of services, supplies, and equipment are available to dentists,” stated Lois regarding what she learned at the conference.
Our booth had banners, rack cards, business cards, and one-sheets with a slideshow playing in the background. Lois, Bruce, and Jennie all talked with potential volunteers.Jennie, a second year volunteer helped at the booth and stated that she learned, “a lot of people are really interested to hear our stories. It is fun to talk about the projects.” This fall Jennie will be volunteering with 1000 Smiles in Montego Bay Week 2 and Week 1 of Whitehouse.
To find out more about our projects visit our website!