4C's Dental Hygiene Program Runs Clinic
by Katarina Grujic and Amber Rivard
Cape Cod Community College (4C’s) dental students are learning by doing, providing dental care, and helping the community in the process.
The 4C’s Dental Hygiene Program operates a state-of-the-art clinic in Maureen M Wilkens Hall. Professional dental hygienists and dentists supervise students of this two-year program. During February Break, the students performed free dental treatment for children.
“The dental hygiene week for kids was great; I had so much fun meeting the kids. I love giving back to people,” said Stevana Holmes, a dental hygiene student. “The best part was everything was free.”
Photo taken by Andrew Nasser
The dental treatments children received were exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, toothbrush instructions, and X-rays that the dentist reviewed.
“Finding a dental home can be so hard and so stressful for most parents right now. The fact that we were able to help them and give back to them meant a lot to staff and the dental hygiene students,” Holmes said.
The clinic is also there for students to learn and practice their trade.
“We are not just teeth cleaners; we are providers, researchers, and educators that help shape the community,” Holmes said.
The dental hygiene program director, Marianne Dryer, hopes to fill all 14 seats of the program with students regularly.
“Sometimes, I think we are a hidden jewel,” Dryer said. The clinic offers dental services to the public at a discounted rate. 4C's students can also receive a student discount with their student ID. The dental students perform these services while under supervision. Freshmen take the appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays, while sophomores perform Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Medical news is abundant,” Dryer said, “but dental isn’t.” Dental health often takes a back seat to medical news.
Photo taken by Andrew Nasser
Dryer explained how it’s vital that parents become more aware of dental issues so that children from a young age can get treated for problems such as gingivitis and gum disease, which lead to bigger problems later on. She said that 90 percent of adolescents unknowingly walk around suffering from gingivitis.
“If you don’t clear up much of the infection, it turns systemic,” Dryer said.
According to Denise Bridges, the administrative assistant at the clinic, there will be another free dental clinic for children during April school vacation, April 19-22. To make an appointment, call the clinic at 774-330-4371.
To find more information on dental appointments and pricing visit https://www.capecod.edu/dentalclinic/.
Photo taken by Andrew Nasser
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