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The City of La Grande and Eastern Oregon University did a smart thing a few years ago when they worked out a public-private partnership with ODS Health Plans. The pact made way not only for for construction of an ODS insurance service center, but also one of the finest dental hygienist schools in the state.
The ODS College of Dental Science prepares students for demanding but rewarding careers in dental hygiene, and that’s just the beginning of the positive impacts. Without doubt, the community as a whole benefits from the school being here.
One shining example: On Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, ODS students put on a clinic in which 75 Union County children had sealant applied to their teeth to prevent cavities. The treatments were free of charge.
An enormous amount of work went into the event. It began last spring, when ODS students evaluated youngsters from across the county. Those kids with naturally deep indentations in their teeth — a condition that hastens cavities — were chosen to take part.
The school was a bustling place the two days of the clinic. Thirty-six dental hygiene students worked with the children, taking x-rays and doing the actual procedure.
Local dentists Lynn Harris and Patrick Nearing volunteered their expertise in reading the x-rays. ODS Academic Director Suzanne Hopper and Clinical Instructor Alana Robocker oversaw the work and examined the children after the sealants were applied.
All of those people worked with a laudable purpose — to help children to a good start in life. Now the kids stand a better chance of avoiding cavities and the costly dental procedures that go along with them.
There was an added bonus for the children as well, with the Literacy Alliance, a local group promoting literacy, handing out a book for each child to read.
Not only that, the dental company Tom’s of Maine gave away dental hygiene items including fluoride rinse, dental floss and toothbrushes.
The sealant clinic is far from being the only public service extended by the school. Veterans and their spouses get free x-rays and cleanings year-round. Free cleanings also are available to Eastern Oregon University students.
Good dental health is essential to good overall health. The ODS School of Dental Sciences gladly contributes, enriching the lives of many who might otherwise go without the care they need.
For all its good work, the school deserves many thanks.
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Opinion 
