MUSC dental students and Lowcountry women in dentistry welcomed the recent establishment of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) chapter in Charleston.

Regional AAWD representative Barbara Bressert, DMD, of Spruce Pine, N.C. was among many guests attending the charter presentation ceremony in November. Also present were Richard DeChamplain, MD., Dean of the College of Dental Medicine; Elizabeth Pilcher, DMD, Dean of Academic Affairs; Tariq Javed, DMD, Eva Boldridge, student chapter president and other CDM faculty, students and guests.

The MUSC chapter of the AAWD was founded to help increase the advancement of women in dentistry, promote professional support and cooperation among its members and promotes good oral health. In addition, the organization provides a foundation of knowledge, experience, inspiration of local and national camarderies for women dental students at MUSC.

In 1998, the organization has donated money to a local church to buy a bicycle for a needy child during Christmas. The AAWD is planning other support projects in the community throughout 1999.