Tallahassee State College (TSC) has taken a monumental step in enhancing its Dental Hygiene Program by introducing a new state-of-the-art dental lab. This advanced facility aims to provide students with crucial hands-on learning experiences that are considered essential for their careers in dental hygiene. Among the roughly 50 students taking advantage of this modern facility is Terah Young, a 41-year-old native of Tallahassee. Young, along with her classmates, actively engages in practical education facilitated by the lab. This experience marks a notable departure from her previous nursing career, allowing her to merge her healthcare background with new skills in dentistry seamlessly.
A New Path in Healthcare
Initially working as a nurse, Terah Young always wanted to stay within the healthcare sector but found that she did not want to continue in nursing. The TSC Dental Hygiene Program provided her with the ideal middle path. Young’s journey mirrors that of many students who have discovered their calling in dentistry through the revamped program at TSC. The new dental lab, which was previously a classroom, now incorporates cutting-edge technology such as ultrasonic scanners and dental simulators. These advanced pieces of equipment are critical in providing students with real-life practical experiences before they transition to working with actual patients, offering a robust training ground for future dental professionals.
TSC’s Dental Hygiene Program is nearly 50 years old, and it efficiently equips students to become either dental hygienists or dental assistants within just two years. What sets this program apart is its consistent 100% certification pass rate in recent years, reflecting the quality of education it provides. The program admits up to 30 dental hygiene students per cohort annually and currently hosts 27 first-year students and 24 second-year dental hygiene students, as well as 12 dental assisting students. This substantial enrollment underscores the program’s growing popularity and the trust that students place in TSC’s educational standards.
Program Overview and Success Rates
The roles of dental assistants and dental hygienists in the field are quite distinct, each playing a critical function in dental care. Dental assistants work directly with dentists during procedures, assisting by handing instruments and preparing materials. In contrast, dental hygienists operate more independently, performing essential tasks such as teeth cleanings and taking x-rays. According to TSC, graduates from these fields can look forward to substantial starting salaries. Dental hygienists, on average, start their careers earning around $67,870 annually, whereas dental assistants have entry-level salaries of approximately $41,170, highlighting the lucrative nature of these professions.
The dental lab at TSC is equipped with 30 new dental simulators, each featuring a lifelike mannequin head. This setup allows students to perfect their skills in a highly controlled and safe environment before interacting with real patients. Professor Debra Burtloff, who also serves as a clinical coordinator in the program, stresses the significance of these simulators in helping students hone critical techniques. This method of training ensures that students are well-prepared and confident when they move on to handle actual patient cases, thereby maintaining high standards of dental care and safety.
Advanced Training Facilities
Another integral aspect of TSC’s Dental Hygiene Program is its Dental Hygiene Clinic, which serves a dual purpose. It provides community dental care while simultaneously offering students invaluable hands-on experience. Patients visiting the clinic are assigned to students based on the student’s level of expertise, ensuring that both simple and complex cases are managed appropriately as part of the student’s learning curve. The real-world exposure to patient care deeply ingrains essential skills and prepares students for the professional challenges they will face after graduation.
The clinic offers a range of dental services at significantly reduced costs, making it accessible to broader sections of the community. For instance, a full cleaning and X-rays are capped at $15, while a single tooth X-ray costs only $5, and dental exams are provided free of charge. Additionally, the clinic operates on a cash-only basis and does not require insurance, further lowering barriers to access for individuals needing dental care. This approach not only serves the community effectively but also enriches the student’s educational experience by allowing them to practice their skills under the supervision of experienced faculty.
Community Service and Student Training
In a typical spring semester, the dental program at TSC manages 150 to 200 patients each week, emphasizing its role in both community service and student training. “We’re grateful that we can help the community as our students are learning,” said Professor Burtloff, highlighting the mutually beneficial nature of the program. This incredible volume of patient care underscores the significant impact the program has on the community, providing needed dental services while ensuring that students gain ample practical experience.
For many students at TSC, joining the dental program signifies a considerable shift in their career aspirations. Terah Young, for instance, transitioned from a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a role as a nursing assistant to pursuing a career in dental hygiene. This new direction was reinforced by the hands-on experience she gained in patient care within the dental field, including administering anesthesia and using laughing gas. These elements resonated with her desire to contribute to healthcare in a more fulfilling and specialized manner, similar to the hopes of many of her peers in the program.
Diverse Student Backgrounds
Similarly, Sereena Kurdi, another TSC student, moved from working as a behavioral technician to studying dental hygiene. Her motivation stemmed from witnessing poor oral health among the children she previously worked with, fueling her desire to improve lives through better dental care. “I want to better people’s lives through their smiles,” she stated, highlighting a sentiment echoed by many in her cohort. This desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives is a common thread among students, reflecting their commitment to healthcare and community wellness through improved dental practices.
The program at TSC also includes male students, although they are fewer in number compared to their female counterparts. Josh Gowen embodies this minority. Having pursued a degree in public health from the University of North Florida, Gowen initially aimed to become a nurse. However, after shadowing a dental hygienist, he discovered a passion for dental hygiene and redirected his career path. As a second-year student approaching graduation, Gowen compares the process of learning to use dental instruments to mastering a new language, underscoring the complexity and precision required in the field of dental hygiene.
The Role of the Dental Hygiene Clinic
Tallahassee State College (TSC) has made a significant advancement in its Dental Hygiene Program by unveiling a cutting-edge dental lab. This high-tech facility is designed to give students vital hands-on learning opportunities essential for their careers in dental hygiene. Among the approximately 50 students benefiting from this modern lab is Terah Young, a 41-year-old Tallahassee native. Young, along with her fellow students, actively participates in practical education sessions in the lab. This new experience represents a considerable shift from her earlier career in nursing, offering her a chance to blend her healthcare background seamlessly with new dental skills. The advanced lab not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for real-world challenges they will face in dental hygiene. TSC’s focus on providing a state-of-the-art educational environment highlights its commitment to producing well-equipped, proficient dental hygienists ready to excel in the healthcare industry.