11 November 2024

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Mulligan, Clark make investment in the USC Mobile Dental Clinic

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it was as dental students working alongside the late Charlie Goldstein that Roseann Mulligan MS ’87 and Glenn Clark were first inspired by the USC Mobile Dental Clinic’s mission.

“Charlie’s dedication to the underserved left an indelible mark on both of us, showing us the profound impact one can have through compassionate care and community engagement,” the couple said via email.

It was with this in mind that the longtime faculty leaders made a significant investment in the USC Mobile Dental Clinic earlier this fall.

“By giving back in this way, we hope to ensure future generations of dental professionals will continue to serve their communities with the same passion and dedication we’ve experienced throughout our careers,” they said.

The couple said they hoped their gift would help enable the mobile clinic to reach more underserved children and their families as well as veterans, provide essential oral health care services to those who typically have little access to it and to support the educational experiences of current dental students.

A history of generosity

Both Clark and Mulligan completed their DDS degrees at the University of California – Los Angeles, serving alongside their Trojan counterparts at what was for a time called the USC-UCLA Mobile Clinic, which, though began by USC in 1966, was partially staffed by Bruin dental students in the late 20th century. Fun fact: Both Clark and Mulligan served as student co-directors during their respective fourth years in dental school, and each was recognized with an award for their mobile clinic work upon graduation.

Mulligan joined the Ostrow faculty in 1982, steadily rising through the ranks to her current position as Associate Dean of Dental Public Health and Community Outreach. She holds the Charles M. Goldstein Professor of Community Dentistry appointment.

Clark joined Ostrow’s faculty in 2003, where he also earned several promotions and eventually launched Ostrow’s Distance Learning Programs. He is currently Associate Dean of Distance Learning and Telehealth.

Not just a dental clinic

It’s not the first time the faculty leaders have made such a donation.

In 2015, the couple provided a naming gift to the Dr. Roseann Mulligan Special Patients Clinic, which treats those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the frail elderly and people living with HIV/AIDS.

This latest gift comes on the heels of the launch of the ongoing Power of 1,000 Campaign. This initiative aims to raise $1 million for the USC Mobile Dental Clinic by securing $1,000 donations from 1,000 alumni and friends. The funds will support our vehicle fleet, with its current priority being the acquisition of a new Instrument Management System trailer to provide treatment to even more underserved individuals. At publication, nearly $270,000 had been raised toward the effort.

“The USC Mobile Clinic isn’t just a dental service,” they said about the importance of funding the clinic. “It’s a beacon of hope for hundreds who might otherwise go without essential dental care.”

Mulligan and Clark hope that their donation will inspire others to give back in similar ways.

“Your support provides invaluable hands-on experience for dental students, shaping the next generation of compassionate, community-oriented dental professionals,” they said. “You’re not just funding a clinic; you’re investing in the future of dental care.”

Author: John Hobbs

Source: https://dentistry.usc.edu/