Community Service

Join us in giving back to the community. Volunteer a few hours of your time and help us improve access to dental health care in Omaha Metro.

The ODDS ecourages member dentists to participate and commit time to various volunteer activities organized to provide dental care and improve the oral health of those among the most in need in our communities. 

The Heart Ministry Center

The Heart Ministry Center provides food, health care, and a way forward for those affected by poverty in the Omaha Area.  They accomplish this through the state's biggest food pantry, multiple case management services, and a free multi-disciplinary clinic.  The clinic offers medical, dental, vision, PT/OT, mental health, and chiropractic services that are free for the uninsured.  The dental clinic has four operatories that are open Monday-Friday. Heart partners with dentists and students from Creighton University, Iowa Western Community College, and private practice.  The clinic is appointment-based and looking for clinical volunteers. Currently, the greatest need is Friday mornings and Friday Afternoons. 

Heart would greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with any dentists willing to volunteer a half day once a week, month, or even quarter.  If you are interested in volunteering or a tour, please contact Conor Berigan via email: conor@heartministrycenter.com or phone call: 402-934-8641.

*A limited number of pre-dental students are needed each year. Interested students should contact Conor Berigan for more information.

Center for Immigration and Refugee Advancement

The Center for Immigration and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) operates across the state of Nebraska, and in some parts of Iowa. They strive to help those who are transitioning to the United States - refugees, new immigrants - “through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy.” CIRA helps with housing, food insecurities, employment, financial management, and medical care, including access to dental care. 

ODDS member, Dr. Jessica Murphree, is serving as a liaison for a referral program with CIRA to help patients receive a single round of basic dental care (cleaning, necessary fillings, simplet extractions) at no cost to the patient. Patients are referred through a CIRA social worker and Dr. Murphree works to find a dentist able to provide care. Additional dentists are needed. Contact Dr. Murphree to learn more. More information about CIRA can be found at:  https://ciraconnect.org.

For more information, contact Erika Kampschnieder.