Event Provides Free Dental Care to Service Members, Their Families
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Pennsylvania College of Technology dental hygiene students, joined by local hygienists and dentists who volunteered their time, provided free dental hygiene services to 29 current or veteran members of the armed services and their family members.
The 35 students who provided “Service Saturday” treatments on April 14 are in the Community Dental Health course, taught by Kim A. Speicher, assistant professor of dental hygiene. Each year, the class provides community service to a population in need, Speicher explained.
The event was co-facilitated by Speicher and student Jessica L. Srock, of Tyrone, who has petitioned to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene: health policy and administration.
In addition to being a student, Srock is in the Army and is a working registered dental hygienist, having received her associate degree in dental hygiene from Penn College in 2017.
“Unless you are 100-percent disabled, no dental insurance is offered,” Srock explained of the military’s health care benefits and the need that prompted the Service Saturday event.
Students provided treatments, including cleanings, X-rays and sealants for children, while the licensed professionals provided required supervision. Dentists provided exams and made recommendations for further treatment if needed.
Colgate donated supplies to keep the event free. In addition, the Penn College Veterans Club provided thank you cards and pins to those who came in for service, and the Penn College chapter of the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association provided snacks for the volunteers.
“Everyone has been excited about this,” Speicher said.
Throughout the academic year, the college’s Dental Hygiene Clinic offers low-cost services to the community. To make an appointment, call 570-327-4500.
To learn more about the dental hygiene program at Penn College, call 570-327-4519.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
The 35 students who provided “Service Saturday” treatments on April 14 are in the Community Dental Health course, taught by Kim A. Speicher, assistant professor of dental hygiene. Each year, the class provides community service to a population in need, Speicher explained.
The event was co-facilitated by Speicher and student Jessica L. Srock, of Tyrone, who has petitioned to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene: health policy and administration.
In addition to being a student, Srock is in the Army and is a working registered dental hygienist, having received her associate degree in dental hygiene from Penn College in 2017.“Unless you are 100-percent disabled, no dental insurance is offered,” Srock explained of the military’s health care benefits and the need that prompted the Service Saturday event.
Students provided treatments, including cleanings, X-rays and sealants for children, while the licensed professionals provided required supervision. Dentists provided exams and made recommendations for further treatment if needed.
Colgate donated supplies to keep the event free. In addition, the Penn College Veterans Club provided thank you cards and pins to those who came in for service, and the Penn College chapter of the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association provided snacks for the volunteers.
“Everyone has been excited about this,” Speicher said.Throughout the academic year, the college’s Dental Hygiene Clinic offers low-cost services to the community. To make an appointment, call 570-327-4500.
To learn more about the dental hygiene program at Penn College, call 570-327-4519.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.