Change Through Teeth:
CRESTON'S CLINIC AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OUTREACH
There is more to the oral cavity than what you see, there is a story. Often times its filled with fear, struggle and sacrifice. As an immigrant to this country I faced all these personally. I believe to stand as a Leader for change that uses my story to both educate and inspire. -Eddie, PSU Class of 2014
Why the need for Dentistry?
The need for oral care has greatly increased within our population. Due to the limited resources and high treatment costs we have a growing population of Portlanders that suffer from oral diseases, which later can affect their overall health. Dental treatment is a very preventive thing that proper oral hygiene will avoid, but there is also lack of education within our community. There is a Public Health aspect to this as well, because by increasing education on oral Hygiene the amount of "affected" individuals would decrease. However, this is a growing effort, and we are left with a big need, but not enough clinics around.
What is Creston Children's Clinic?
This clinic is dedicated to serving the Portland Community, by providing free dental services to qualifying K-12 students of the Portland Public School District. Since 1962, they have been serving thousands of children! During the 2009-10 Academic School year, they served over 1,500 patients!! They are located within Creston Elementary school, and are funded through community partners, grants, and donors.
The staff is completely volunteer based, with the exception of a couple positions. All Dentists, Assistants, and Hygienists are volunteers, and serve because they want to, not because they are being paid to. This allows for there to be a very "giving" atmosphere where you can feel that these
What is the Elementary School Outreach Program?
It is an educational program that educates the community (specifically kids) on proper oral hygiene instruction in a very interactive skit. This is 100% student led and directed. The Portland State Pre-Dental Student Organization, reaches out to community schools and partners to present to. The program has been in existence for the past 5-6 years. It was constructed by pre-dental students who are now Dentists themselves.
What am I doing in a Tooth Costume..
Part of my responsibilities as a member of the Pre Dental Student Organization, is to be Eddie the Tooth (i.e Mr. Molar), where I get in a tooth costume and perform a skit that educates children on proper oral hygiene (Known as the Elementary School Outreach Program). We as an organization visit elementary schools and bring in Mr. Molar along with his vegetable friends and GIANT Toothbrush. You can see the skit here.
Need treatment? or Want to bring Mr. Molar to your classroom?
Contact information is at the end of the page.
The need for oral care has greatly increased within our population. Due to the limited resources and high treatment costs we have a growing population of Portlanders that suffer from oral diseases, which later can affect their overall health. Dental treatment is a very preventive thing that proper oral hygiene will avoid, but there is also lack of education within our community. There is a Public Health aspect to this as well, because by increasing education on oral Hygiene the amount of "affected" individuals would decrease. However, this is a growing effort, and we are left with a big need, but not enough clinics around.
What is Creston Children's Clinic?
This clinic is dedicated to serving the Portland Community, by providing free dental services to qualifying K-12 students of the Portland Public School District. Since 1962, they have been serving thousands of children! During the 2009-10 Academic School year, they served over 1,500 patients!! They are located within Creston Elementary school, and are funded through community partners, grants, and donors.
The staff is completely volunteer based, with the exception of a couple positions. All Dentists, Assistants, and Hygienists are volunteers, and serve because they want to, not because they are being paid to. This allows for there to be a very "giving" atmosphere where you can feel that these
What is the Elementary School Outreach Program?
It is an educational program that educates the community (specifically kids) on proper oral hygiene instruction in a very interactive skit. This is 100% student led and directed. The Portland State Pre-Dental Student Organization, reaches out to community schools and partners to present to. The program has been in existence for the past 5-6 years. It was constructed by pre-dental students who are now Dentists themselves.
What am I doing in a Tooth Costume..
Part of my responsibilities as a member of the Pre Dental Student Organization, is to be Eddie the Tooth (i.e Mr. Molar), where I get in a tooth costume and perform a skit that educates children on proper oral hygiene (Known as the Elementary School Outreach Program). We as an organization visit elementary schools and bring in Mr. Molar along with his vegetable friends and GIANT Toothbrush. You can see the skit here.
Need treatment? or Want to bring Mr. Molar to your classroom?
Contact information is at the end of the page.
It's a good feeling to look around at all I have and know that I earned every bit of it.. Even when others said I never could. -Demi Lovato
I have been blessed to have been able to serve my community through both dental and non dental related. As a Dental Assistant, I always stood on the right side of the Dentist, but in 4 years I will be the dentist. I prepare to begin my journey at OHSU School of Dentistry, as a Scholar for Healthy Oregon that will serve an under served community after graduation. I will never forget my experiences as an immigrant, and will grow to be "El Orgullo Hispano" (The Hispanic Pride). I do this because it is what I love! I hope to continue to inspire, educate my community.
"I'm a first-generation student, an immigrant to the U.S., raised without a lot of resources, I've been in that worst place"
-Eddie, Learn more about my Fearless Story
If you are in need of Dental services and are under the age of 18, and are attending a school within the Portland Public School District, Friends of Creston will be able to assist you.
Website: http://www.crestondental.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crestondental
Phone Number: 503-916-5808
Interested in bringing Mr. Molar to your classroom or event?
Contact the Portland State Pre-Dental Student Organization at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Contact the Portland State Pre-Dental Student Organization at:
[email protected]
[email protected]