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College of Dentistry UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA
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Swamp Head Social Unleashes Generosity

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Barks and brews set the tone for the UF College of Dentistry’s annual Swamp Head Social on October 9, a new tradition that has become one of the college’s most anticipated philanthropic events.  

A woman in a pink floral dress (Abranches) holds a small brown dog on her lap while in conversation with a smiling man in a baseball cap (Riley) holding a drink at an indoor gathering.
Jacqueline Abranches (M.Sc., Ph.D. | Oral Biology) with her dog ‘Jay Jay’ talking with Joe Riley (Ph.D., M.S. | Dean for Faculty Affairs)

Held at Gainesville’s Swamp Head Brewery, the gathering supports the broader UF Campaign for Charities, or UFCC, which allows donors to contribute to more than 100 local organizations.  

The social is a special, informal fundraiser for the college’s Community-Based Outreach Programs, and this year the event raised $965—generously matched by Dean A. Isabel Garcia—for a total of $1,930. These funds will support the college’s work providing no-cost dental services to more than 8,000 at-risk children in Alachua and Collier Counties each year. 

Two women in conversation at an indoor event. The woman on the left (Cruz-Almeida) wears a black blazer and glasses, and the woman on the right (Ensz) wears a blue floral dress. They stand next to a large sign that reads, "UF College of Dentistry Community Outreach Programs."
Yenisel Cruz-Almeida (M.S.P.H., Ph.D. | PRICE & Community Dentistry) talks with Olga Ensz (D.M.D., M.P.H. | Director of Community-Based Outreach) at Swamp Head Social.

The ‘ulti-mutt’ highlight of the Swamp Head Social is, of course, the “Cutest Pup Contest.” After 275 votes were tallied for an impressive field of 33 furry contestants, three winners were announced at the event. 

And the top dogs are…

1st Place Pup

Gutta Percha

"A teacup Chihuahua who is sweet, quiet and protective. Nothing like the usual Chihuahua personality."

Gutta Percha's "UFCD human" is Ane Poly (D.D.S., M.Sc. & Ph.D.) Poly is a clinical assistant professor in the Endodontics Department.

2nd Place pup

Chip

"Never-ending energy and always on the hunt for lizards and squirrels."

Chip's "UFCD human" is Rick Pink (D.D.S. & M.S.) Pink is an associate professor of Operative Dentistry in the RDS Department.

3rd place pup

Judith

"This girl is unsure whether she likes squirrels or stuffed animals more. She loves to be in the car and discover new places. She's a Brazilian poodle who moved to Florida; she's living her best life here in Gainesville!"

Judith's "UFCD Human" is Tamires Fernanda V. B. Cordeiro, a postdoctoral associate and researcher in the Oral Biology Department.

This event’s success underscores the intersection of two domains that define our strategic vision: Service, and Interpersonal & Professional Culture.  

A man and woman (Mr. & Mrs. Gohel) smile at the camera inside a brewery. The man, in a blue polo shirt, holds a small, fluffy white and grey dog that is wearing an orange and blue UF cheerleader costume. The woman, in a coral-colored top, and the man are both holding glasses of white wine.
Anita Gohel (B.D.S., Ph.D. | OMDS Chair) and Raj Gohel (D.M.D. | Restorative Dental Sciences) with their dog ‘Olive’ clad in UF-cheerleader outfit.

“The Swamp Head Social shows that we can have a great time as a college while doing significant good,” Garcia said. “The wonderful company and popular ‘cutest pup contest’ were fantastic, but the ultimate success is in knowing that our evening together will directly support the essential dental care UFCD’s community outreach programs provide.”      

A strong internal community is the very foundation from which we serve the communities beyond our walls, and we are grateful to all who participated in bringing this mission to life.