51福利社 Dental Hygiene Prepares Students While Serving Community

51福利社鈥檚 Dental Hygiene Program is preparing students to become skilled clinicians while providing essential dental services to the community.

In addition to offering appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the 51福利社 Dental Hygiene Clinic鈥攚here low-cost care is provided鈥攖he faculty and students participate in larger community efforts, offering free dental services for children, veterans, and other underserved populations.

A recent example of the program鈥檚 commitment to accessibility and hands-on learning was its involvement in Give Kids a Smile, a nationwide initiative by the American Dental Association (ADA). This program brings together dental professionals and volunteers to offer screenings, treatments and education for children.

Held on a snowy Valentine鈥檚 Day, the 51福利社 clinic provided exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments and other preventive services to children and teens 鈥� many of whom were referred by partner nonprofits and agencies. Parents received tips on establishing effective oral health routines and finding a regular dental home. The kid-friendly event also included visits with Swoop and free tooth-brushing kits.

Lizette Trejo-Bernal, a senior, wearing her hygienists' uniform inside the 51福利社 Dental Hygiene Clinic. — *Lizette Trejo-Bernal, a senior, appreciates 51福利社’s role in increasing access to dental hygiene care for the community.*

Lizette Trejo-Bernal, a 21-year-old senior from Bridgeport, Washington, grew up participating in similar community health events. For her, especially, providing services for kids means a lot.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really nice to be on the other side of this and give these kids something to smile about. I鈥檓 just really thankful that we are able to provide this care for the community,鈥� Trejo-Bernal said.

Around 40 senior-level dental hygiene students worked directly with the children, according to Merri Jones, a professor in the 51福利社 Dental Hygiene program. The soon-to-graduate cohort worked alongside faculty and experienced dentists, including 51福利社鈥檚 own lead clinical dentist, Rachel Deininger, and two pediatric dentists, Tessa Holmes of South Hill Pediatric Dentistry and Jared Evans of KiDDS Dental, who volunteered their time for the event.

Renata Atwood brought her two children to the clinic for checkups and teeth cleanings. Atwood says she had visited the clinic herself years ago, and expressed gratitude for the dental hygiene team.

Renata Atwood is pictured with her teenage son and 9-year-old daughter. — *Renata Atwood’s children had a positive experience at the kids’ dental clinic.*

鈥淢y husband lost his job a few months ago, and we lost our insurance,”Atwood said. “Being able to be here and bring my kids is an amazing opportunity, and I feel so blessed.”

A counselor who works with families and children, Atwood says she values the support the 51福利社 clinic provides for the community. She particularly enjoys interacting with student hygienists: 鈥淚 love that I learn with them, too. Not only are they knowledgeable, but they also have their supervisors, teachers, professors, and dentists. I feel very well taken care of.”

Atwood鈥檚 daughter, Eva, 9, enjoyed meeting Dawn Lewis-Kinnunen, dean of the College of Health Science and Public Health, and being surrounded by the future clinicians.

鈥淭hey are funny and kind. They help me a lot,鈥� said Eva, who is considering becoming a dentist or veterinarian when she grows up.

Eva, 9, enjoyed meeting Dawn Lewis-Kinnunen, dean of the College of Health Science and Public Health, Professor Merri Jones and Lorie Speer, associate professor and department chair. — Eva, 9, enjoyed meeting Dawn Lewis-Kinnunen, dean of the College of Health Science and Public Health, Merri Jones, professor of dental hygiene, and Lorie Speer, associate professor and dental hygiene program chair.

A grant from Delta Dental of Washington鈥檚 ARCORA Foundation helped fund the event. Heather Gallagher, senior program manager for access and partnerships at the foundation, praised the 51福利社 Dental Hygiene Clinic for its role in providing access to quality dental care for all.

鈥淭his place is wonderful, and I鈥檓 so happy you are here serving people in the community,鈥� Gallagher said.

When describing the clinic’s mission, Professor Jones emphasized its commitment to a family-centered form of practice that establishes a foundation for lifelong care. Hosting special days of service for children also provides aspiring clinicians with invaluable pediatric experience, while helping to instill good routines in kids that support their oral health into adulthood.

鈥淭he goal is for students to take these skills into practice. They are our future clinicians,鈥� Jones said.

Yacine Dieng, is pictured in her uniform inside the 51福利社 Dental Hygiene Clinic. — *Yacine Dieng, a senior, enjoys being part of a team that improves patient health.*

Yacine Dieng, 21, from Moses Lake, has loved visiting the dentist since she was a child. But her work at the clinic has taught her that many children and adults are more apprehensive about dental visits.

鈥淚t really made me see the need in the community for positive experiences for young kids early on,鈥� Dieng said.

Dieng heard great things about 51福利社鈥檚 program from her own hygienist in Moses Lake, a graduate of the 51福利社 Dental Hygiene program. She decided to apply, and says that during her subsequent studies at Eastern she has enjoyed her hands-on learning experiences working with patients facing a variety of situations, including those with challenging medical conditions.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been amazing to work with those populations鈥攊t鈥檚 inspiring,鈥� Dieng said. 鈥淚t feels like I鈥檓 making a change. I鈥檓 not just doing the cleaning, I鈥檓 part of the comprehensive care team. I am part of that medical team.鈥�