In September, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) students, faculty, and staff volunteered at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) event in Lick Creek, Kentucky. The College’s long-standing involvement in these events has been led by Dr. Ron Singer, Division Chief of Public Health Dentistry, whose dedication has inspired many to participate.
Through Dr. Singer’s leadership, RAM has become an integral part of the UKCD experience—offering members of the UKCD community the chance to extend their care beyond campus walls and serve Kentuckians in need.
“Seeing someone whom I respect speak so glowingly about the experience and positive impact of the organization really made an impact on me. I felt incredibly inspired to participate and offer any help I could,” said Ryan Wethington, UK HealthCare Dentistry staff member who volunteered for the first time this year.
Although UKCD students gain a strong educational foundation and extensive clinical experience within the College and its clinics, RAM outreach events offer something uniquely impactful—an opportunity to meet people where they are and provide care in communities that need it most.
These events take students out of the traditional clinic setting and into areas experiencing significant health disparities. There, they see firsthand how oral health care connects to broader health challenges and social factors. The experience expands their understanding of the impact they can make—not just from the dental chair, but in the lives of those who might otherwise go without care.
For Jacob Peterson, a fourth-year dental student, volunteering at RAM has been one of the most meaningful parts of his education.
“Volunteering at Remote Area Medical clinics in Kentucky has been a pillar in my dental experience at UKCD,” said Peterson. “RAM has taught me how to provide my best care regardless of the situation, patient, or resources available. I see lives change before my eyes when I put the knowledge from UKCD into practice. It fills me with indescribable joy when I can share my attention, skills, and love for dentistry with those who seek care at every RAM clinic.”
While not every graduate may remain in Kentucky or practice in a rural area, the lessons gained through RAM reach far beyond geography. Students develop a deeper appreciation for the power of their profession and the role compassionate care plays in improving lives.
For students balancing the pressures of coursework and responsibilities outside of the College, RAM serves as a grounding reminder of why they chose dentistry: to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The skills, insight, and inspiration gained through these outreach experiences often stay with them long after graduation.