51°µÍř

51°µÍř’s James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic recently upgraded its dental chairs thanks to a $100,000 grant in funding from the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) and additional funding from the 51°µÍř Foundation. The purchase of 12 new dental chairs allows for students in the program to continue to learn and provide care to the community in an up-to-date academic environment. 

“Our goal is to provide the best for our students and patients in oral health care in a friendly, comfortable setting, and showcase our program to future students and family members,” said SSU Dental Hygiene Program Director Georgeann Kamer on how the new equipment has impacted the program. “This investment has enabled our program to make huge strides toward that goal.”

The James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic at SSU provides dental hygiene care to the campus and the surrounding community while providing an educational setting for current students enrolled in the dental hygiene program. Services in the clinic include scaling and polishing of teeth, administration of pain control, dental x-rays, application of fluoride, application of pit and fissure sealants, patient education, nutritional counseling, and study models. Dental hygiene students perform all services before patients receive a final examination by an Ohio licensed dental hygienist or dentist.  

“The new equipment creates a better working environment for the students and provides a better atmosphere and comfort for patients,” said Kamer. “The new look and design of the chairs give the students pride and an increased confidence in the clinical setting.” 

SSU’s Dental Hygiene program spans five semesters, equipping students for a profession in dental and oral health. Graduates are prepared for employment in clinics and private dental practices to deliver an array of dental and oral services, along with home care guidance and dietary counseling. 

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The DDF is dedicated to developing and enhancing partnerships and programs to improve oral and overall health and health equity. For more information, visit deltadental.foundation.

For more information on the Dental Hygiene program at 51°µÍř, visit shawnee.edu/dental-hygiene.