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Thirteen students and two instructors from the Oregon Tech Dental Hygiene program at Chemeketa Community College traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in August to provide free dental care and oral health services to residents in the community. The trip was part of the International Externship Program, which offers students the opportunity to apply their skills in an international setting while serving communities with limited access to dental care. The Salem team was joined by 14 Dental Hygiene students and faculty from Oregon Tech’s Klamath Falls campus. The participating students from the Salem program were Emely Cazares, Storm Doromal, Liz Fosdick, Kellsie Green, Nick Griffin, Cristal Hernandez, Calli Lent, Myranda Marquez, Melina Matthias, Marina Melfi, Miguel Morales, Adriana Sandoval, and Mercy Starling. They were accompanied by instructors Sandra Busch and Sharon Crawford. Working alongside dental professionals and volunteers through Great Shape! Inc., students provided care at Marcus Garvey High School, a Back-to-School Health Fair, and the Sandals Resort Staff Clinic. In total, the team provided care to 657 patients during the weeklong service trip and delivered: 200 X-rays, 374 fluoride treatments, 382 dental cleanings, 154 fillings, 20 root canals, and 200 extractions. While the primary goal of the trip is to provide dental care to those in need, students also gain valuable exposure to different cultures and healthcare environments. The experience helps strengthen clinical skills, communication, teamwork, and cultural awareness that students will carry into their future careers. To learn more about dental hygiene majors at Oregon Tech or about the Dental Hygiene clinic, visit https://lnkd.in/gXinarUR.