A program at Cape Cod Community College in Massachusetts provides free dental cleanings to children on Cape Cod during school breaks.
Every day is a learning opportunity at the Wilkens Family Dental Hygiene Clinic at Cape Cod Community College.
“I love the lightbulb moment of learning, watching them amazed at how they have mastered a skill and then progressing from making dental models to treating live patients,” said faculty member Lauren Cisternino.
The school will host its annual Children’s Oral Health Week over February break. New students will have the opportunity to hone their skills on real patients as they prepare for the workforce.
“I’m excited to have some of the clinic’s patients. I’m glad they’re giving us this opportunity because this is the real world,” said dental student Shyanne Fabiano.
The week focuses on all aspects of oral care, even how nutrition affects dental health; and taking time to explain care procedures to patients.
“We’re prevention experts, so healthier patients are easier to treat,” Cisternino said. “Especially in the Cape Cod and Islands area. Right now, there are big barriers to accessing care. The Massachusetts Department of Health, in particular, has long wait lists, so we really appreciate the opportunity to do an oral health screening and sometimes be a first step toward dental care.”
The patients receive excellent care and attention, and so do the students.
“What I like most is that it’s mutually beneficial. The students need this experience to learn, eventually get licensed and so on, and we’re filling a real need,” Cisternino said.
Thanks to the grant and an array of cutting-edge technology, the school hopes the program will continue to connect with the community.
“We’re a little off the beaten path, but we’re here to serve the community, and we’re excited to see this program grow,” said Marianne Dryer, program director.
The same program will be offered to children during April Break. The clinic also offers discounted rates for adults during regular hours.
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