Dental School group provides key support services for students

After World War II, a small group of Jewish dental students needed a support group to fight anti-Semitism. Today, that same support group has blossomed into a large community service organization comprised of both Dental School students and practicing dentists. Alpha Omega may be unknown to some undergraduates, but students in the Dental School -- where the Univeristy chapter was founded in the early 1970s -- say the organization provides key support services. Nationwide, Alpha Omega has grown to over 100,000 members of all racial and ethnic groups. The University's Beta chapter is just one of 40 university chapters. Unlike the powerful American Dental Association which provides lobbying and other support services for dentists, Alpha Omega's "thrust is more with philanthropy," said Sari Zimmer, a fourth-year dental student and international student officer for the chapter. "People join with the attitude of what they can contribute," said Ivy Simms, a third year dental student and chapter vice president, "rather than what can be given to them." Since its creation, Alpha Omega has been concerned with community outreach, at the local, national and international levels. In addition to funding national and international programs, much of Beta chapter's activities address local projects. Fundraisaing has been conducted to support United Jewish Appeal's local clothing drives and other charities. Members have also been active in giving free seminars on oral hygiene and other support services to patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and area homeless shelters. The professional contacts that Alpha Omega provides continue on the local level. "Alpha Omega helps to enhance the dental school experience," added Simms. "It deals with dental school and beyond." "They can teach you dentistry, but they can't teach you how to run a practice," Simms said. Currently, members are planning for the annual Alpha Omega international convention, to be held this December in Dearborn, Michigan. "The convention provides a great opportunity for dental students to make contacts and discuss options with practicing dentists," Zimmer said.

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