Bulletin of Dental Education Article

The Illinois Central College (ICC) Dental Hygiene Program in East Peoria, IL, continues to strengthen dental hygiene education through community engagement, planned recognition of faculty excellence and investments in clinical technology. These efforts reflect the program’s commitment to preparing students for contemporary dental hygiene practice while promoting oral health and supporting student success.

Connecting Students With Community Needs

Community service remains an important part of the program’s educational mission. ICC dental hygiene students and faculty have participated in the American Dental Association Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile^® program, supporting efforts to improve children’s access to oral health education and dental care.

The ICC program also participated in outreach at a local community center, The Hope Chest. Students volunteered to distribute back-to-school supplies to children and families. During this effort, student volunteers provided toothbrush kits, shared oral health literacy information and explained how community members could access care through the ICC Dental Hygiene Clinic.

One student volunteer reflected on the experience and wrote, “This experience showed me how meaningful it is to provide families with oral health education and resources, especially when access to school supplies and dental care may be limited.”

These community outreach events help students apply their knowledge outside the classroom while reinforcing the importance of prevention, patient education and access to care. They also provide opportunities to communicate with families and recognize the role dental hygienists play in promoting community health.

Recognizing Excellence in Teaching
Over the past year, faculty dedication has also been recognized at the college level. In fall 2025, Jennifer Balsimo, B.S., a dental hygiene faculty member received the ICC Gallion Award. The award recognizes a full-time faculty member who demonstrates exceptional teaching practices based on the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. Students submitted recommendations in recognition of Prof. Balsimo’s dedication to the department.

Jennifer Balsimo, B.S.

The award highlights the importance of meaningful faculty-student relationships, active learning, timely feedback, high expectations and respect for diverse learning needs. Student nominations also reflect the impact that dedicated educators can have on the learning experience and professional development of future dental hygienists.

Investing in Clinical Learning and Emerging Technology

With support from a federal Perkins grant, the program has requested funding for several clinical technology and instructional equipment upgrades. The proposed improvements include a cone-beam computed tomography panoramic imaging system, Guided Biofilm Therapy, iTero intraoral 3D scanning and 3D printing of dental models. These additions are intended to introduce students to evolving dental technologies and digital workflows used in contemporary practice.

Additional requested upgrades include radiographic equipment and intraoral radiograph sensors, DXTTR dental training manikins, intraoral cameras and updated head and neck anatomy models. Together, these resources would support hands-on learning in radiology, instrumentation, anatomy, patient education and clinical care. The equipment requests are currently in the purchasing process and represent the program’s ongoing efforts to enhance its instructional environment. 

Through community partnerships, faculty commitment and planned investments in instructional resources, the ICC Dental Hygiene program continues to emphasize the connection between education, service and professional growth. These efforts support the development of graduates prepared to contribute to patient care and the oral health of the communities they serve. In addition, a big congratulations to the Class of 2026 and all their hard work throughout the program.

Courtesy of the Illinois Central College Dental Hygiene Program

Published on November 11, 2026