New York City Dentist Named Clinical Director for Special Olympics Program

Mina Kim, D.D.S., New York County Dental Society President-Elect, has been appointed clinical director for Special Olympics Special Smiles, responsible for setting up and running oral health screenings of athletes participating in the Special Olympics.

Dr. Kim’s selection was based in part on her past involvement with Special Olympics. The New York City dentist previously volunteered to assist at hockey tournaments held at the Javits Center in 2019 and 2021. Her participation included educating the athletes on oral health and screening, assisting with referrals to practitioners experienced in treating patients with intellectual disabilities and fabricating athletic guards.

Special Olympians receive oral health screenings at Special Olympics Special Smiles event in New York City.

Dr. Kim recounts steps taken that led to her appointment as clinical director. They included undergoing training modules, in addition to her volunteering at events. She said her role as clinical director will entail helping to organize the dental teams. To that end, she said, she has enlisted friends with large social media following, to help spread the word and raise awareness of the Special Olympics Special Smile program.

“I hope more and more of our members can volunteer with this amazing organization,” Dr. Kim said. “We can not only provide the athletes with dental education and care, we can also improve our own skills in working with different populations.” z