Hello! My name is Tessa Wirtz and I’m currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. I’m majoring in biology and plan to attend dental school in 2 years. My passion is in public health and I’m hoping to apply this passion to my career in the dental field. As an undergraduate student, I’m hoping to begin my journey in pursuing these passions early. From January 7th to January 14th, 2024, I'm going to be a Global Dental Brigade volunteer with the UW-Madison Chapter. By working alongside students and medical professionals, this program strives to implement sustainable healthcare in rural communities of underdeveloped countries. Specifically in my chapter, we will be providing immediate preventive and restorative care to people that don’t have access to oral healthcare. During this mission I will be assisting doctors of dental surgery with several procedures (fillings, extractions, etc), educating children on oral hygiene, and much more. For every volunteer 13 fillings, 62 extractions, and 111 fluoride treatments can be done. With this, I am raising money to start my journey to reduce inequalities in oral health care. The money will go directly to my trip dues and toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss for kids in Panama. Anything helps. Thank you!