The newly expanded dental hygiene clinic at JCCC accommodates more students and more patients. The 6,293-square-foot facility on the second floor of the Science Building allows for more students, room for more patient chairs and equipment, more X-ray machines, greater space for charts and student computer work, new locker rooms and an ADA-compliant darkroom for students.

Each set of two chairs in the new 16-chair operatory shares an X-ray machine. A large records room gives students space to make appointments, complete paperwork and use computers to research information, such as patients' medications. Windows on three sides give a vista of green trees, sure to prove calming for patients with dental-chair jitters.

JCCC has always kept up with dental hygiene technology. Students use digital X-rays, ultrasonic scalers, panoramic full-mouth X-rays and an intra-oral camera/video that can be projected on a computer screen. Digital recordings can be printed or placed in the patients' charts or e-mailed to a dentist or dental school for further consultation.

However, Margaret LoGuidice, director, dental hygiene program, says it is students' education in treatment protocol that puts them at the front of the line for employment.

"Our students are experienced and confident in evidence-based treatment protocol because of the education they receive here," she said.

Another precept that has not changed with advanced technology is teaching students to educate patients about managing their own oral health care.

In the clinic, dental hygiene students provide services to students, faculty, staff and community members under the supervision of dentists and registered dental hygienists. The clinic is open for appointments from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday during the fall semester and Monday through Thursday during the spring semester.

JCCC's dental hygiene program also adheres to a philosophy of volunteerism with students, staff and alumni giving their time to underinsured and uninsured adults and children at local community sites and in Las Pintas, Mexico. In spring 2009, the dental hygiene program received the first-ever Faculty Award for Leadership in Service Learning awarded to an entire program.

Since its beginning in 1972, the program boasts 100 percent employment for its students in an occupation that continues to be in demand.

For more information about JCCC's dental hygiene program or to make an appointment in the dental clinic, call 913-469-3808.