Dr. Bryce Heiner developed the first annual Wisdom For Wisdom program to give worthy students wisdom teeth extractions free of charge to help offset the rising costs of college textbooks. Our complimentary extraction procedure gives students a healthier smile by removing painful and often damaging wisdom teeth.
Over the last decade, college textbook prices have skyrocketed. Statistics show that textbook prices have increased at three times the rate of inflation by 1041%. Students and families are struggling to afford higher education, and as a result, college students are choosing to go without required textbooks and accept the consequences. Our Wisdom For Wisdom program provides students the opportunity to put the funds they would have put toward medical bills to their textbook costs instead.
Our first application period ran for two weeks, from April 17, 2018, to April 30, 2018. The program opened to both current and future college students. Applicants to the program complete a short quiz after watching an informational video. The informational video is designed to educate students on the wisdom tooth extraction procedure and aftercare. 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 fun, informative, and easy.
Wisdom teeth are the last to develop between the ages of 17 and 25. They can sometimes cause harmful oral bacteria, which can cause decay, gum disease and infections. Removal of the wisdom teeth is necessary before they worsen, cause pain, complications, or increased expenses. Our 2018 final recipients were selected based on many factors, such as the necessity of extraction and financial need.
On May 1, 2018, the final recipient of our first annual Wisdom For Wisdom program was announced on social media. Camille D., a high school student at Artesia High School, was selected for her hard work and commitment to education. Camille has been accepted into the highly competitive Cooperative Pharmacy Program at the University of New Mexico. Camille dreams of obtaining her doctorate in Pharmacology — our program is designed to help her achieve her dream.
Our team at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico is dedicated to supporting academic achievement and oral health in our community. We are proud to support our local students by providing this essential program.
Thank you for your interest in the Wisdom For Wisdom program! For more information on Camille’s progress, visit our Facebook page.
Stay tuned for information on the Spring 2019 application period!
