Clinical rotations for students include providing oral hygiene and oral health screenings at nursing homes and geriatric centers. Despite the students' rigorous schedule, many of them volunteer their time and passion to various organizations in the community. The Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association, the Student National Dental Association, the Smile Squad, and the American Association of Women Dentists are a few of the organizations that benefit from the energy and commitment of Tufts students. Student volunteer work includes reaching out to survivors of domestic abuse and homeless patients by providing oral health information and services. The commitment by Tufts to dental education is matched by its involvement in dental research.
Most research is directly related to clinical practice.
The impact of research is multi-faceted. Research leads to the creation of new knowledge and improves the quality of the teaching, influences treatment for patients, and enhances collaborations within the university and with other institutions. Several longitudinal and epidemiological studies also are in progress that include high-risk patients with head and neck cancer and Sjogren's Syndrome. Along with the faculty, students are encouraged to get involved in research activities. The annual Bates-Andrews Research Day, established in 1988, honors Drs.