Elk Grove Village Dentist Receives Award For Providing Dental Care To Chicago’s Homeless
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Dr. Brian Homann, DDS was recently honored as the first recipient of the Young Alumnus of the Year Award for his humanitarianism, leadership, and educational contributions in providing free dental care to Chicago’s homeless community. The award was presented by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry for his volunteer work at Goldie’s Place, a support center that assists homeless adults by providing the life skills and education needed to obtain employment and become self-sufficient.
Goldie’s Place partnered with the UIC College of Dentistry to create the nation’s first completely student-run dental clinic. While in dental school, Dr. Homann was a member of the first volunteer team at Goldie’s Place. After his graduation, he became an adjunct faculty member at the College of Dentistry, allowing him to mentor groups of first to fourth year dental students. This partnership helps students gain valuable experience that they would not normally receive until after graduation.
Dr. Homann’s efforts have helped to expand the clinic, including the addition of the Goldie’s Place Denture Program. This program provides free dentures to those who are missing teeth. Beautiful new smiles are a great confidence booster to homeless men and women as they return to the workforce and strive towards self-sufficiency.
The award also recognized Homann for his work in helping create a “How-To” manual that guides other dental schools through the process of establishing free dental clinics. This manual has already been used by Indiana University and the University of Michigan.
Dr. Homann hopes that the manual can continue to inspire the growth of similar programs throughout the country.
Above is a photo of Dr. Homann being presented the award by UIC Dental Alumni Association President, Dr. Arlene Engert.
