Silver Marquez Wins Access and Sustainability OPCA Awards
Silver's commitment to equitable dental care has been recognized by the Oregon Primary Care Association for her dedication to access and sustainability.
Silver Marquez is OCH’s Preventative Dental Health Manager and a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) who leads OCH’s School Dental Services Program. This program provides free oral health services to all students in the Hood River County School District. Silver has been leading this program since 2017.
Over the first five years of the program, OCH offered sealants, fluoride varnish, and screenings. Initially, Silver Marquez single-handedly handled all the work. With the help of a dental assistant, she expanded the services offered in 2022 to include silver diamine fluoride, betadine (povidone-iodine) topical applications and preventative fillings used to mitigate tooth pain until kids can get in to see a dentist. The program continues to grow in both scope and size.
During the 2021-2022 school year, OCH served 794 kids. The program saw more than 850 students during the 2022-2023 school year, and for the first time, it has scheduled more than 50 kids during summer school.
Silver has built long-lasting relationships with teachers and administrators in the Hood River County schools. Clear communication with school administrators and teachers has contributed to the success of the program. Parents/guardians must understand the services so they can consent to them, teachers must be enlisted to coordinate schedules and allow kids to leave class for these services, and administrators must provide the space and time for the program.
Silver actively mentors and supports her colleagues, sharing her knowledge and expertise to elevate the entire clinical team. She continuously seeks opportunities for professional growth and development, attending advanced training courses to stay at the forefront of dental hygiene practices. Silver recently received her restorative endorsement while eight months pregnant and working to help OCH expand the program into Washington state.
Silver’s exceptional dedication to her profession and her commitment to OCH’s values are undeniable. She embodies the spirit of a leader and serves as a role model for her peers. Her passion for equitable and accessible oral health care has been the driving force behind OCH’s extraordinary oral health achievements in the community. She is undeniably deserving of this recognition for her remarkable contributions to One Community Health and the Hood River community.