Launched six years ago to meet local demand, the
Jackson College (JC) Dental Hygiene Program, located in Jackson, MI, has blossomed into a close-knit, service-oriented cohort.
Plans for a new dental hygiene program began after concerns were raised about a shortage of registered dental hygienists in the mid-Michigan area. After more than a year of planning, working toward accreditation and creation of a dental hygiene clinic funded by the Community
College Skilled Trades Equipment Program (CCSTEP), the first cohort was admitted.
“I was working in the field for the past four years and I really enjoyed it, and it was time for me to further my education,” said Gabby Draft of Addison, a dental hygiene student.
Student Billy Myles agreed. “I have worked in the dental field already as an assistant and wanted to advance my career. Also, I wanted to be able to help more people out and to help in another way.”
The curriculum is rigorous, but JC’s dedicated faculty are committed to their students. “They want you to succeed,” said Ms. Draft.
Students spend around 30 hours a week together in the program, further contributing to their sense of camaraderie. The JC Dental Hygiene Club furthers connection and helps raise funds for necessary equipment and exam fees.
Despite their rigorous program, students still find time to make a meaningful impact on the community. They’ve organized events like a children’s dental exam day and a nutrition-focused event called “Eat This/Not That.” Through the JC Dental Hygiene Club, they have raised funds not only for
their own needs but also to support a local homeless shelter. They have visited the on-campus ABC Academy Childcare Center and participated in collegewide events like the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Spooktacular, which draw hundreds of attendees to campus.
Despite their rigorous program, students still find time to make a meaningful impact on the community. They’ve organized events like a children’s dental exam day and a nutrition-focused event called “Eat This/Not That.” Through the JC Dental Hygiene Club, they have raised funds not only for
their own needs but also to support a local homeless shelter. They have visited the on-campus ABC Academy Childcare Center and participated in collegewide events like the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Spooktacular, which draw hundreds of attendees to campus.
“During program development, our college president, Dan Phelan, Ph.D., expressed his vision of providing preventive and periodontal care to people who could not afford fees charged in general practices,” said Patricia Guenther, RDH, M.A., Dental Hygiene Program Director. “Since 2019, our
students have treated close to 4,500 patients in and around Jackson. Since many of them return as recall patients, this also provides a healthy patient population that students can use to fulfill their program requirements. It’s been a ‘win-win.’”
Courtesy of Patricia Guenther, RDH, M.A., Dental Hygiene Program Director, Jackson College
Published on September 11, 2024