Some four decades prior to the Surgeon General's landmark report, the Ostrow School of Dentistry recognized these disparities in oral health care and founded the Office of Community Health Programs.  With the installation of a dental clinic at the USC Neighborhood Health Center in Watts following the riots of 1965, the school began its first extramural community health project.

Today, the Office of Community Health Programs operates 8 stationary clinics strategically located where care is needed most—such as the USC Dental Clinic at Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles' Skid Row.  Six mobile dentistry programs, such as the original USC Mobile Clinic, bring oral health services to the doorstep of underserved areas through unique partnerships and innovative collaborations. 

The school is also engaged in a variety of programs designed to raise awareness regarding oral health disparities and to encourage young students from under represented minorities to consider careers in the oral health professions. 

Each year, the Ostrow School of Dentistry sponsors or participates in numerous health fairs and special events offering free dental screenings and oral health education.  In addition, the Ostrow School of Dentistry maintains partnerships with hospitals throughout Southern California.             

At the Ostrow School of Dentistry we are proud of our legacy and of our ongoing commitment to serve those in need.  Despite our best efforts and those of other like-minded colleagues, disparities in oral health care persist and in many populations continue to grow.  Learn what we are doing to combat this epidemic and what you can do to help.