OIT dental hygiene students return from Jamaica externship
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.— Nearly a dozen Oregon Tech Dental Hygiene students are back from Jamaica after completing an international externship.
The 11 students were in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, from August 14th to 25th, along with four faculty members and support staff.
The school says they provided 382 cleanings, 374 fluoride treatments, and sealants, fillings, root canals, and extractions to 637 patients.
Oregon Tech says the underserved population that was served has limited access to services, leading some people to line up as early as 3:00 a.m. for the first-come, first-served clinics.
“Their hearts are full, and I’m hoping they carry that into their practice here at home in their communities to develop good outreach for our population, who also struggle to see dental professionals,” said Dental Hygiene Department Assistant Professor Jeannie Bopp of her students.
The international externship program includes coursework during the 2026 spring, summer, and fall terms.
Bopp says Oregon Tech has been doing the international externship for students in the Dental Hygiene program for more than 10 years.
If you want to donate to help the students do next year’s trip, you can do so through the Oregon Tech Foundation.
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