Overview
Community service is the hallmark of every profession. The ODDS offers its members a variety of ways to give back to the community that provides income and so many advantages to our practices and our families.
Volunteering even a few hours a month or a few days per year will make a huge difference. And it's a great way to stay in touch with friends and colleagues in dentistry, and to meet people with common interests. You'll remember why you entered dentistry to begin with-- to help people, to improve the health status of your community and to put your skills and intelligence to work in the service of others.
Here are a variety of options you have to become active in the ODDS and its Community Dentistry programs.
Douglas County Dental Clinic
What would you give to help improve access to dental health care in Omaha? Two hours a week? One half-day a month? Three days a year? More? Less?
The Omaha District Dental Society is ready to embark on its Community Dentistry Service Initiative, and we need your feedback and direction as we begin.
We know your time is precious. We appreciate that you provide volunteer service in other capacities in your life. We value your contributions to the dental profession and to ODDS / NDA / ADA.
We are hopeful that you will commit as much time as you can to improving the oral health of those among the most needy right here in the Omaha community.
It's easy to make a real difference right away at the Douglas County Dental Clinic.
Let us know what time you would like to work and what day ... and we'll take it from there.
Whether you work one hour a week, or one hour a year, your assistance is most needed and appreciated. You can specify what procedures you prefer to do and the DCDC will work with you to make that happen.
All you need to provide is a copy of your dental license and proof of malpractice insurance. That's IT.
Recently extensively renovated, the Douglas County Dental Clinic offers four beautiful, clean and well-equipped dental operatories, located within the Douglas County Hospital, 4102 Woolworth Avenue (just east of 42nd and Woolworth, about a mile north of the I-80 / 42nd Street Exit).
The Clinic has two full time staff members, including Dr. Elisa Weist, who works Monday through Thursday The dentist scales the teeth as needed after the assistant polishes (there is no hygienist on staff.) Tuesdays and Wednesdays, there are three assistants available at the DCDC.
The busiest days are Monday and Thursday, and while the DCDC currently does not offer appointments on Friday, the patients would be delighted if that were possible. The Clinic is currently booked out about 8 weeks! If you're willing to provide a few volunteer hours on a Friday, you will see patients.
The Clinic provides care to children from low income families; poor and elderly patients who live in the Douglas County Health Center; children who have been admitted to the Douglas County Youth (Detention) Center and Primary Health Care patients who are approved for General Assistance. Here is a link that provides more detail about the patients typically seen at the Douglas County Dental Clinic.
Please, give this idea your consideration.
If ODDS members would commit to giving one hour ... one afternoon ... even one day a year ... imagine the good we could do!
Community Service is the hallmark of every profession, and sharing your skill with those in need just feels good! It's easy ... it's direct ... it's local ... and it's up to you.
If you have questions, please contact Community Dentistry Service Initiative co-Chairs Dr. Brion Dalton at briondalton@cox.net or Dr. Marty Matz at matz@omhcoxmail.com">marty.matz@ddd.omhcoxmail.com or the ODDS at omahadistrictDS@aol.com
Other Community Dentistry Opportunities
- January 29, 2010
Give Kids A Smile free clinic day at the Douglas County Dental Clinic.
We expect to see approximately 75 children during the hours of 8:30 to 4 p.m. and we welcome volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants, and others who can lend a hand!
To volunteer, contact Ronnette Davis at (402) 444-7350
- April 2010
KidzExplore Interactive activities, live performances of local entertainment, games, costumed characters, food sampling, clowns, face painters, and more. Mid-American Center, Council Bluffs, Saturday 10 am- 6 pm, Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Adults: $7.00 Children Ages 3-12: $5.00 2 and Under: Free
Omaha Health, Wellness and Fitness Expo. "Omaha's Premier Event for the Mind, Body & Spirit." Cost: $350 (table, drapery) plus supplies to hand out. Bonus: ODDS may provide one presentation during event.
- September 2010
Saturday 8 am - 11 am Omaha's Biggest Baby Shower - a free event that "showers" expectant Moms and Dads with useful information, items and resources for parenthood along with plenty of pampering and fun. ODDS volunteers needed to represent pediatric dentistry and distribute information and other giveaways. It's only 3 hours!
Co-sponsored by Methodist, Whole Foods and Channel 6
- October 2010
Community Safety & Wellness Festival (National Safety Council) Embassy Suites, 20 Westport Parkway, LaVista NE 68128 (By Cabelas)
If we have volunteers to staff our booth, we could provide important community education about oral health habits and increase the recognition of professional dentistry in our community. Please consider volunteering!
Omaha Children's Museum Healthy Trick or Treat Nights with Whole Foods Market 5:30-7:30 p.m This program, recognized by the national Association of Children's Museums, was developed in partnership with Whole Foods Market to present a healthy option for trick-or-treating. Kids dress up and trick-or-treat their way through the museum getting a number of healthy snacks to take home... and some to sample at the event! Whole Foods Market will be providing the healthy snacks.
ODDS volunteers will distribute toothbrushes, tooth paste, floss and other materials. Last year, approximately 1600 people (at least half were children) attended the event. What a great opportunity to provide a healthy treat to children at one of the most popular candy-based holidays of the year!
