Thirteen students and two instructors from the Oregon Institute of Technology (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.
The Oregon Tech Salem Dental Hygiene program has participated in international service opportunities since 2013, allowing students to work alongside dental professionals and volunteers with a common goal of providing care while making a meaningful and lasting impact on communities in need. During the trip, students assisted with patient assessments, X-rays, preventive services, restorative procedures, oral health education, and other clinical care.
An additional benefit of this year's trip was the opportunity for Salem students to work alongside fellow Oregon Tech Dental Hygiene students from the Klamath Falls campus.
"Both campuses interacted great," said student Emely Cazares. "We worked closely together throughout the trip during clinic days. We shared our clinical knowledge, assisted one another during patient care, and worked together to provide dental services to the community of Jamaica. This opportunity allowed students from both campuses to learn from each other and strengthened our communication and teamwork skills. Such a great experience."
The trip was funded through student fundraising efforts and support from the International Externship Program. Students raised funds through personal donations and community fundraising activities to help cover travel and program expenses.
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this experience possible," said Cazares. "A special thank-you to all of our generous donors for supporting our students, to Sandals for their exceptional hospitality, and especially to the Great Shape staff for coordinating such an impactful experience. This experience was truly unforgettable, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to learn, serve, and give back."
Salem dental hygiene classes are taught on the Chemeketa Community College campus, with students learning in classrooms, laboratories, and the campus-based dental hygiene clinic.
To learn more about dental hygiene majors at Oregon Tech or about the Dental Hygiene clinic, visit https://dentalclinic.oit.edu/salem.
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