At the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, students are not only excelling in their studies but are also making difference on campus and across the state. Through their student organizations and student-founded initiatives, these future dental professionals are addressing oral health needs and inspiring change.
Pictured (L-R): Jade Kim, Emily Joy, and Luci ShinTake Operation Toothbrush, a student-founded service project. Third-year student Emily Joy and fellow classmates Luci Shin and Jade Kim created the initiative to make an impact on the oral health of Alabama’s youngest. Supported by SOD faculty, staff, residents, and students, the group travels to Birmingham-area elementary schools to teach children about oral hygiene through interactive activities and take-home materials.
The program, which recently reached over 300 students at one local elementary school, has been well received.
“I'm excited to continue expanding Operation Toothbrush and extending it to more schools across the Birmingham area,” says Joy. “Educating kids about oral health through fun and engaging activities while also making dental care more accessible is something I'm passionate about. I'm grateful we have the resources and support to expand this project and can't wait to see the impact we make.”
Pictured (L-R): Students Luke Denton, Enkhee Ganbataar, Emily Joy, Dr. Yu-Yin Lin, Alex Pausa, Jungwoo Kim, and Lauren Hayes during an Operation Toothbrush presentation.Joy feels honored to be part of the SOD community because she believes it shares her strong commitment to community outreach, which is one of the main reasons she chose to study at UAB.
“Making a real impact beyond the borders of the school is something that appealed to me, and UAB provides numerous opportunities to serve and boost others through dentistry,” Joy adds. “We have the freedom and capability to create initiatives that make a difference while also receiving support from faculty and several departments. It’s wonderful to be part of a program that empowers and guides students to make their ideas come to life.”
Fellow Operation Toothbrush co-creator Luci Shin shares Joy’s passion for shaping the future. Shin is deeply involved in a number of dental student organizations, serving as co-president of the Prosthodontics Student Interest Group (PSIG) and public relations representative for the Asian Dental Student Organization (ADSO). She is also social media coordinator for the SOD Student Research Group (SRG), where she helps encourage student awareness of and participation in research which leads to improved patient care and advancements in oral health.
Shin shares, “I chose UAB because I was impressed by the strong clinical training and supportive learning environment the dental school offers. I feel grateful for the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired to help improve lives in a positive and meaningful way.”
Jade Kim also has been recognized for her forward-thinking contributions, particularly through her involvement with the Alabama Schweitzer Fellowship Program. In 2024, Kim completed a yearlong fellowship in which she partnered with ASF fellow Suyeon Kim to create a dental pipeline program, presenting to middle school students about oral health and dentistry in Alabama. By the end of the program, 214 students received oral hygiene instruction and learned about dental careers.
Of her passion for serving, Kim says, “My service project experiences would not have been possible without the backing of the school and faculty, such as Drs. Mazer, McKenzie, and Lin. Through their support, I have realized the importance of the presence of a leader and mentor to make a significant change within a community. Because of them, I’ve developed a passion to pursue an academic career in dentistry to become a mentor like them to future dental students.”
In addition to her work in the community, Kim serves as president of the school’s ADSO, vice president of the SOD student chapter of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and co-treasurer for the SOD SRG. She was also selected to serve as a SOD Student Ambassador.
Joy, Shin, and Kim are three of many SOD students making meaningful changes in oral health. For those who wonder how they can make a difference as a dental student, Joy shares her advice:
“Get involved with as much as possible. Try new clubs, learn from different ideas, explore new opportunities, and pursue what truly excites you. Once you discover what you enjoy, keep building on it through service, education, or new experiences. You might be surprised what you find once you step outside of your comfort zone!”