US Olympic & Paralympic Committee seeks dentists to join volunteer network
Applications open May 15
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee is seeking dentists to join its volunteer network to provide free basic dental care to eligible athletes.
The committee is particularly looking for volunteers in the following priority areas: Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lake Placid and upstate New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Salt Lake City, Park City and Provo, Utah; Miami and other Florida locations; Atlanta; San Diego and Los Angeles; and Dallas, Austin and Houston, Texas.
In addition to general dentists, the program is open to specialists, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists and endodontists. While experience in sports dentistry is encouraged, it is not required to volunteer.
“As chief medical officer, I see every day how access to health care directly impacts athlete performance,” said Jonathan Finnoff, D.O., chief medical officer for the committee. “Volunteer dental professionals are essential to that effort, giving their time and expertise so Team USA athletes can focus on training and competing, not dental concerns. Their care makes a real difference, and we are deeply grateful to every provider who steps forward to serve.”
David Dowsett, D.M.D., a general and sports dentist who owns a solo practice in Portland, Oregon, began volunteering about 15 years ago with the committee. He is a member of both the American Dental Association and Academy for Sports Dentistry.
Dr. Dowsett said his time with Team USA athletes has reminded him of the joys of doing something you love and the rewards of hard work and perseverance. Experiencing their gratitude and humility inspires him, and seeing them excel on the world’s biggest sports stage makes him happy, he said.
“Being a small part of helping someone chase and achieve big, wonderful dreams brings tremendous pride and humility,” Dr. Dowsett said. “As a lifelong athlete myself, understanding and being a part of that support team is joyful and rewarding. Others should join not for themselves, but to help ensure those on their journey are safe and in the best health possible.”
Volunteer Zeynep Barakat, D.M.D., also enjoys helping Team USA athletes maintain their oral health and protect their teeth while they train and compete.
“No athlete can perform well with dental problems, which is why diagnosing any problems early, treating them on time and giving them a clean bill of dental health is my professional duty so that they can focus on training and performing at their highest levels,” she said. “That’s why being their dentist has been the most humbling part of this program for me. Being a part of their health care team and seeing them return for their check-ups and cleanings is extremely gratifying because I feel that my efforts to show them the importance of oral health has had a positive impact on them.”
Dr. Barakat, a general and sports dentist who owns a solo practice in San Diego, began volunteering with the committee in fall 2024. The Olympics have been special to her since childhood.
“If you’re like me and you get giddy with goosebumps every time the Olympic and Paralympic games are on, then that’s a great start to see if you can be part of the USOPC dentist provider network,” said Dr. Barakat, who is a member of both the ADA and Academy for Sports Dentistry.
Applications will be accepted from May 15-June 15. Beginning May 15, dentists can submit an interest form at https://wkf.ms/45ZCrQr. The form will not appear at that link until that date. Dentists with approved applications will have the option of scheduling a 15-minute phone call with the committee to ask questions and learn more before signing a two-year agreement and beginning the credentialing process. New volunteer spots are limited for 2026.
Credentialing includes completion of SafeSport training on sexual, emotional and physical misconduct; anti-doping training; and a background screening. The entire application and credentialing process takes about one to two months.
For more information, email medicalnetwork@usopc.org. An FAQ about the program is also available on the ADA website to members using their ADA username and password. The ADA recommends providers consult their trusted tax professionals for specific guidance regarding the tax implications of participating in the program.
