Ostrow School launches USC’s first Spanish patient care site
No matter the language one speaks, a smile is the universal way to express confidence, happiness and cordiality to the world. Keeping that smile bright and healthy can be a challenge if there’s a language barrier.
With that in mind, the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has taken another step toward helping Spanish-speaking communities access vital dental health care services by launching the university’s first patient care site dedicated to Spanish speakers.
Featuring information on how to become a patient, as well as directions, hours and admission paperwork, thesite takes Spanish-speaking patients through the necessary steps to see a dental professional.
The site is the latest in the Ostrow School’s continued efforts to revitalize its Web presence. The school rolled out its redesigned site in January and will continue to introduce new elements throughout the year.
According to a 2011 Hispanic Dental Association survey, six in 10 U.S. Hispanics said having a Spanish-speaking dentist or hygienist in their community would help them achieve and maintain better oral health care. The survey also reported that 45 percent of Hispanics don’t have dental insurance, relying on reduced-cost community dental clinics like the on-site clinic at the Ostrow School.
The school has long had Spanish-speaking dentists and dental hygienists providing care to Los Angeles’ large Hispanic community, both on campus and within the community through its mobile, school-based and fixed-satellite clinics. At the onsite clinic, the Norris Dental Science Center, nearly 3,500 patients list Spanish as their first language.
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