The Palomares Academy of Health Sciences recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new school-based oral health center operated in partnership with Western University of Health Sciences’ (WesternU) College of Dental Medicine.

This is the fourth schoolbased comprehensive dental clinic sponsored by WesternU within the Pomon Palomares Academy students clad in white lab coats led guests on campus tours, showcasing the variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs available at the school.

center will provide students and their families with access to oral health care, keeping them healthy and helping them to do their Camille Ramos-Beal said.

Since fall 2013, WesternU has worked in partnership with PUSD to offer free and low-cost oral health services, including dental treatments and sealants.

The program is made possible by an $8.5 million grant awarded to WesternU by First 5 LA to provide dental care to uninsured and underserved children ages 17 and younger, through school-based oral health centers.

services at these centers, students will have improved access to dental care to prevent tooth infection incidences, better overall physical health, and en- Steven Friedrichsen, DDS, dean of WesternU’s College of Dental Medicine.

Other dental clinics within PUSD are located at the Mendoza Center, The Village @ Indian Hill and Alcott Elementary School.