It is a well-known fact at the dental school that the Dental Hockey Club (DHC) raises money for the CAMH dental clinic from its annual Ontario Dental Association Cup game with the Western dental school. What isn't well-known is why?

It all started in Lab 4 during the second-year restorative course approximately ten years ago. I was approached by one of the students in my group of eight who knew about CAMH and asked me about the CAMH dental clinic.
A few days later he mentioned to me that he had just been put in charge of arranging a charity for the funds raised from the annual ODA Cup game. He asked if CAMH could benefit from these funds. I jumped at the opportunity knowing how hard it was at CAMH to provide services for patients who had little money and limited benefits.
He immediately agreed to channel the funds raised to our dental clinic; a deal was struck in second year restorative, in lab 4, that continues until today. We agreed initially that all the money raised would 'go into the patient's mouth' so to speak. Meaning that we would use the funds to pay for lab fees associated with crowns, dentures, nightguards, bridges etc. In this manner we could have a very clear idea of how the money would be spent. This money will be well used and benefit so many who otherwise would go without necessary dental care.
 

To end with an anecdote:

A few months ago, I saw a patient who appeared to be in her late 70s, but was in fact in her late 50s. She was edentulous and very thin. This was due to 20 years of living on the streets, involved in unhealthy activities. Her cheeks were caved in owing to many years without teeth.
She had no money or benefits and needed complete dentures. I examined her and informed her that we have a special fund that could cover her dentures. She immediately burst into tears and was thrilled at the thought of being able to eat better and smile with dignity. During the course of her treatment, most appointments were done by fourth year dental students, including one where the captain of the hockey team saw her - a full circle moment. She again burst into tears when she looked in the mirror when we delivered her dentures. She thanked us more times than I can count.
For stories like this and many more I thank not only the DHC, but all the people who bought tickets, volunteered for the event and gave of themselves in spirit and in wallet for the life altering changes that this fundraiser enables. In the words of a number of the hockey team players: This is really what it's all about!!!

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Dr. Joel Rosenbloom