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Student values volunteering at dental clinic by Cindy Abole Public Relations Dental medicine student Gregg Jowers spends his Thursday afternoons and evenings serving the dental needs of low-income North Charleston residents. His dedication and hard work earned him individual recognition as an MUSC Gives Back outstanding student volunteer. Since last August Jowers has joined his fellow dental students volunteering at the St. Matthew’s Baptist Church Dental Clinic.  Jowers is a rising fourth year student and a member of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. “I found the work rewarding and reassuring to me,” Jowers said. “After a long day at school, you get tired and get dragged down both physically and emotionally with school requirements and studies. For me, going to the clinic became satisfying knowing that I am able to help someone. They’re genuinely appreciative and even say thank you.” The dental clinic was established in 1999 under the inspiration of a former dental medicine student to provide patient education and preventive care. The clinic offers free dental services to low income people  in North Charleston. The clinic pairs community dentist volunteers with dental student participants who assist, perform health histories, radiographs and prepare patients for exams. “Our clinic couldn’t open on Thursdays without Gregg and the other dental students,” said Judy Dillow, R.N., coordinator of the church clinic. “Gregg is an excellent volunteer who is dependable, easy going and very good with our patients.” Each year, the program works with 35-40 dental student volunteers with their clinic. According to Dillow, there’s no problem with each students’ willingness to be helpful and effective.  “I feel the clinic offers a collegial relationship between our dental volunteers and students,” Dillow said, emphasizing the value of mentoring, teaching and shared learning experiences. “Gregg is a fine example of someone who enjoys giving back to the community. I think he’ll share that same attitude even when he begins his professional career.”   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.