Wallace State Dental Hygiene celebrating 25th anniversary
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — The Wallace State Community College Dental Hygiene program is celebrating its 25th anniversary at the college, the only public Dental Hygiene program in the state of Alabama.
The first cohort began classes in 1994, with 11 graduating in 1996. The program now accepts 30 new students each year as part of its two-year program. Students who complete the program earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. After successful completion of state licensing requirements, graduates earn the distinction of registered dental hygienist (RDHs).
Hundreds of students have successfully completed the program to begin careers as dental assistants. The program maintains a high success rate for students taking the licensure exam, including a 100 percent success rate for its most recent graduating class.
Alumni and dental health professionals throughout the area are invited to attend the program’s annual clinical research presentation as part of the celebration. Second-year Dental Hygiene students present findings from their research projects. Subjects in the past have included sleep apnea, antimicrobial toothbrushes and teeth whitening techniques such as charcoal and oil pulling. The presentations can be used for up to four hours of continuing education credit.
Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m., in the Bailey Center Auditorium, with a welcome and recognition of special guests at 8:15. Student presentations will run from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a reception.
Sharon Alley, director of the Wallace State Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs said demand for well-trained and qualified dental hygienists will continue to grow.
“Employment of dental hygienists is project to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,” Alley said. The increase is due in part to an aging population that is keeping more of their original teeth than previous generations and the link between oral health and general health and efforts to expand access or oral hygiene services.
Dental Hygiene students earn clinical hours at Wallace State’s on campus dental clinic, which is open to the public. Clinic days vary depending on the semester, with appointment times between 8 and 10:30 a.m. and noon and 2:30 p.m. Services include dental cleaning, sealants and bleaching. Call 256.352.8300 to make an appointment.
For more information about the Dental Health programs at Wallace State, which include Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene, visit www.wallacestate.edu and choose their web pages under the Programs link, or call 256.352.8300.