Drs. Fear, Lopez, Fasi, and Sanker developed the first annual Wisdom For Wisdom program to give hardworking students wisdom teeth extractions free of charge. The program provides deserving students wisdom teeth extractions to help offset the rising costs of college textbooks. Our office introduced this program because we understand firsthand how hard it is to afford college textbooks. This new, exciting program gives students a healthier smile by removing painful and often damaging wisdom teeth.
Michigan Oral Surgeons supports academic achievement by providing this vital program. Over the last decade, college textbook prices have skyrocketed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, textbook prices have risen more than 1,000 percent in the previous four decades. Students are struggling to afford higher education and, as a result, college students are forced to go without the required textbooks. Our Wisdom For Wisdom program provides local students the opportunity to put the funds they would have put toward medical bills to their textbook costs instead.
The application period ran for two weeks from April 17, 2018, to April 30, 2018. We received applications from both high school and college students in our community. Applicants completed a short quiz after watching an informational video that is designed to educate students on the wisdom tooth extraction procedure and post-operative care. Students answered a few short quiz questions about wisdom teeth to verify they watched the video. Following the quiz, applicants submitted their application explaining what the procedure would mean to them if selected. These components made the application process enjoyable, enlightening, and simple. The 2018 program recipients were selected based on many factors such as academic achievement, financial need, and necessity of extraction.
Wisdom teeth grow and develop between the ages of 17 and 25. They can sometimes harbor harmful oral bacteria, which can cause gum disease, decay, infections, pain, crowding, misalignment, and damage to your otherwise healthy teeth. Studies have shown that even fully erupted wisdom teeth cause unhealthy bacteria and periodontal conditions to develop. By proactively removing wisdom teeth during this period, we can prevent complications and help encourage healthy oral habits.
On May 1, 2018, four final recipients, Shayne M., Amanda S., Ashley R., and Ranna E, were announced on social media. These students are bound for success, and we are honored to contribute by providing these complimentary procedures.
Our team is committed to supporting education and oral health in our community. We are honored to encourage local students in our community by providing this essential program.
Thank you for your interest in the Wisdom For Wisdom Program! For more information on our recipients’ progress, visit our Facebook page.
Stay tuned for information on the Spring 2019 application period!