BridgeValley Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene Clinic awarded $15,000 grant
BridgeValley Community and Technical College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic was recently awarded with a $15,000 grant by the Southern Land Company to fund clinical supplies and operations.
The Southern Land Company recently awarded BridgeValley Community and Technical College with a $15,000 grant to assist in the funding of its Dental Hygiene Clinic. The clinic provides hundreds of residents from all around the Kanawha Valley with dental care every year.
This grant money will go toward acquiring important clinical supplies as well as assist in the clinic being able to provide services for patients who may have difficulties accessing routine oral healthcare otherwise. The clinic offers residents dental care valued around $350,000 every year. It provides services such as oral health education, fluoride treatments, x-rays, dental exams, and routine cleanings.
The BridgeValley Dental Hygiene Clinic runs between late August and May and offers its services to both children and adults from the area. Its services are also available to BridgeValley students and employees. The clinic allows dental hygiene students at BridgeValley to get hands-on experience while also being supervised by licensed professionals. This model benefits both the local community and students.
In an article posted on BrideValley Community and Technical College’s website, the Chair of BridgeValley’s Dental Hygiene Program was quoted about the importance of the clinic, saying, “This program changes lives. We are able to provide high-quality care to individuals who may not have access otherwise, while giving our students the hands-on experience they need to succeed in the workforce. This funding helps ensure we can continue doing both.”
The Dental Hygiene Clinic not only addresses critical health needs in the community, but also plays an important role in supplying the healthcare workforce of West Virginia with more workers. The state’s demand for dental hygienists and related professionals is growing, and the program at BridgeValley gives students the opportunity to participate in real world clinical training in an environment that centers the needs of the community.
BridgeValley's dental hygiene program was selected for recognition by the Southern Land Company due to its positive impact on both the development of the local workforce and on public health.
Shawn Atkins, who serves as Account and Project Manager with Southern Land Company was quoted about the organization's recognition of BridgeValley, saying, “We are proud to support BridgeValley’s Dental Hygiene Clinic and the meaningful work it represents. This program delivers essential care to those who need it most while preparing the next generation of dental professionals. It’s a strong example of how education and community impact come together.”
Any members of the local community who are interested in taking advantage of the services offered by the clinic can schedule an appointment by calling (304) 734-6651. The clinic offers the following services: oral health education, fluoride treatments, sealants, x-rays, and cleanings.
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in dental hygiene at BridgeValley Community and Technical College can learn more about the program at the school’s website.