The Pre-Dental Association of Sacramento State not only aids in the dental hygiene of community members in Sacramento but it gives back to the communities overseas as well.

“Our club is about motivating students who are interested in the dental field to become future dentists and we do this by donating to charity and hosting fundraisers,” said Michelle Bruce, senior biology major and president of the club.

The Pre-Dental Association gives back the community through fundraisers like Project Backpack and Smile Angels, Bruce said.

Project Backpack, she said, focuses on giving backpacks with dental and school supplies to children in need in the Sacramento area.

Smile Angels, on the other hand, gives to underprivileged children overseas to countries like the Philippines, Haiti and Vietnam.

Over the past year as president, Bruce said she has been able to donate more than 300 backpacks to underprivileged families around the world.”We are not only about getting into dental school,” Bruce said. “We’re about giving back to those in the community and giving back to those who really need it – overall, we are just a fun club that’s worthwhile to join.”

On Saturday, the Pre-Dental Association hosted its Fourth Annual Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser and raised more than $5,000 to go help fund both backpack programs.

“We were able to have Filipino dancers come to this event to express culture of one of the countries we donate to,” Bruce said. “It’s nice to show our supporters where their money is going.”

The club is open to anyone who wants to learn more about dentistry, said Jennifer Castro, senior biology major and club treasurer.

“We have members from many majors ranging from pre-health to pre-pharmaceutical; it’s really open to whoever is interested,” Castro said.

Meetings for the Pre-Dental Association are held at 6:30 p.m. every other Tuesday in Sequoia Hall, Room 301.

Erin Rogers can be reached at [email protected]