Teresa Wilson
Photo Editor
Shasta
College Dental Hygiene students have something to be proud of. At the last
National Board Examination, the program ranked fourth in the nation out of 256
schools. The eight hour written exam covers all areas of dentistry taught in
the two-year associate degree program and includes testing on the core science
prerequisites. Overall, itÕs a four year program.
ÒHow
well we do is really a reflection not just of the dental hygiene program, but
also a reflection of Shasta CollegeÕs science programs,Ó said Chuck Cort,
director of the Dental Hygiene Program, ÒThe study is very comprehensive and
the results are indicative of Shasta CollegeÕs effort as a whole,Ó he added.
Once
students successfully pass the written portion, they must apply to take the
State Board Examination, which covers the clinical side of the test.
CaliforniaÕs test is, notoriously, the most difficult to pass.
And
while students may be apprehensive, the success rate is high for this region.
Students that pass the state exam may apply for their license Ð as a dental
hygienist certified to practice oral hygiene - in the state in which they were
tested.
ÒThis
was an incredible accomplishment for Shasta College,Ó said Cort. ÒWe start with
students who know nothing of dentistry. We have to take them from no knowledge
to the point of being a professional, ready to take on the role of a dental
hygiene clinician at a private practice, which is no small task. It requires
every bit of the two years,Ó he added.
Applying
to the program does not guarantee acceptance. Admission to the program is
highly competitive and students are subject to specific criteria before they
are considered. With only 16 spaces available, gaining access is difficult. The
program employs a point system that awards points to students for previous
dental experience, bi-lingual status, and high GPAs. Applications are available
from the admissions office in January and are reviewed by the program administration
in August.
ÒMost
of our students have very high GPAs. It requires 100% of their effort. This is
not a part-time program,Ó Cort said. Dental hygiene is a very competitive field
and, according to Cort, the program receives more applications than they can
accept.
The
Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
of the American Dental Association. First year students take basic courses that
increase in difficulty as they move into their second year. The severities of
the dental patientÕs oral care intensify as the program nears an end.
Patients
are always trying to gain access to the programÕs low cost benefits. What a
patient may pay $75 for in the community may only cost $15 in the program.
ÒWhat you pay with here is not so much your money, but your time. As with any
teaching facility, a simple cleaning may take three hours,Ó said Cort.
Patients
are screened prior to being accepted in the program to ensure they qualify as
an adequate challenge for students. ÒThe [patients] who need it the most are
the ones we also need the most. WeÕre looking for those who have a disease
called peritonitis. ItÕs really what we look for in our patients,Ó said Cort.
Patients
who complete the screening and require additional dental care beyond the scope
of the program are referred to a dentist in the community for further care.
The
program has a collaborative relationship with Shasta Community Dental Health,
which graciously provides two chairs for use by the programÕs students.
Conveniently located across the hall, advanced students learn hands-on in a
professional dental office. The dentists at Shasta Community Dental Health do
not teach in the program but provide their licensing as a means to educate the
students in a working environment. The hygiene program itself has nine chairs
for students in the training facility.
The program provides routine cleanings, x-rays, and
more advanced procedures including root planning, scaling, polishing and pit
and fissure sealants. Services are free to Shasta College students with proof
of enrollment.
For more information, visit the Shasta College web site at www.shastacollege.edu .