Dental clinic sponsored by EGCC a hit
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STEUBENVILLE -- Many children in the Ohio Valley do not have access to dental care on a regular basis, but Eastern Gateway Community College is trying to change that with their "Give Kids a Smile" free children's dental clinic held Wednesday, Thursday and today.
Founder Denna Robinson, also a past program director, said they have been holding the clinic for close to 20 years now.
"Some of the children wouldn't have dental services at all if it wasn't for us," current dental clinic director and EGCC instructor Tammy Graham said.
She said the children are educated on the proper dental hygiene through fun and play with the help of the Toothfairy, Megan Williams, and giant Tooth, Justin Boyer. Among the subjects covered were proper brushing and flossing techniques and why high sugar foods should be substituted for healthier options.
The children were able to color pictures, play a dental-themed bean bag toss game and practice brushing with oversized brushes and teeth.
Then the children are moved on to the examine room where they receive x-rays, cleanings, and fluoride treatment.
Graham said the clinic expects to see 73 children before the first part of the program ends Thursday, and some of those will be returning on Friday for work on their cavities.
Several area dentists and hygentists volunteer their time to help out with the clinic.
The dentists taking time this year include Joe DePalma, James Fraiser, Thomas Matanzo and Anol Brar -- all of whom are members of the Eastern Ohio Dental Society. The hygienists include Gina DiPietrantonio, Nicolette Secrest and Tabitha Burns. This year's expanded functions dental assistant was Brooke Andrews. Also assisting with the clinic were Beth Doyle, Kristile Roth and Pam Kearney.
Graham said 17 students took part in the community service project, which also gave the students a chance to get some real world experience.
"(The students) get really nervous before it begins, but once it starts, it all just clicks," she said.
The department also holds a reduced-fee dental clinic every Saturday for anyone from January through the end of April. There are still limited space available. For information, contact the school at (740) 266-9690. Both clinics are by appointment only.