Forsyth Dental Hygiene Students Provide Free Dental Care to Hundreds in Rhode Island

Students will volunteer again at the Massachusetts Mission of Mercy event in Worcester in November.

Nine students from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) put their skills into action at the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy (RIMOM) dental clinic in Providence, where they joined faculty members Jessica Robbins-Schwab and Lisa LaSpina to deliver free oral health care to hundreds of patients.

The two-day clinic, held October 4–5 at the Providence Community Health Centers Dental Clinic, delivered more than 2,450 procedures to 611 patients, representing an estimated $300,000 in care. Volunteers included licensed professionals and students from across the region.

Representing MCPHS were Jessica Zheng, Wincy Lin, Donguk Lee, Zhaoyuan Li, Gregory Guyumdzhyan, Parmida Ramzey, Dinh Ngoc Ly, Phuong Nguyen and Gary Luo.

Mission of Mercy clinics offer essential treatments such as routine cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canal therapy, partial dentures, and tooth extractions.

Professor LaSpina said the event gave students meaningful exposure to community-based dentistry. “This event provides preventive and restorative care to an underserved population,” she said. “The students witnessed an authentic, non-traditional setting—held in a community health center—where they saw how care is delivered to individuals who might not otherwise have access.”

Students contributed in several areas, including instrument sterilization and radiology, where they operated Nomad X-ray units, and observed Type IV dental screenings conducted under tents using lights and tongue depressors.

“Volunteering at this free dental clinic was an incredibly valuable learning experience,” said Gary Luo, BS ’25. “It allowed me to practice with the Nomad X-ray system, learn from dedicated professionals, and reflect on how fortunate we are to have access to care. Seeing patients’ gratitude, especially after waiting overnight to be seen, was truly eye-opening.”

Luo added that the experience helped him grow professionally. “I met many passionate and knowledgeable individuals and learned techniques and tips that I can carry forward into my own practice—especially in a setting of alternative dentistry,” he said.

RIMOM is part of the nationwide Mission of Mercy initiative, which delivers free dental care to uninsured or underinsured patients. Dr. LaSpina noted that experiences like these highlight the importance of preventive dentistry while allowing students to give back to their communities and strengthen their professional skills.

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene students will continue their outreach efforts at another Mission of Mercy event sponsored by the Massachusetts Dental Society on November 15 at the DCU Center in Worcester.