SUNY Canton Dental Hygiene Program Receives X-Ray Unit Donation

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SUNY Canton Dental Hygiene student Charlotte A. Phippen, Parishville, takes a dental X-ray using the donated digital machine.

CANTON, NY (12/23/2013)(readMedia)-- Sirona Dental Systems, in conjunction with Patterson Dental Supply, recently donated a digital X-ray unit to the SUNY Canton Dental Hygiene program so students may learn by using the most up-to-date technology.

"Digital units are being used more frequently than their conventional film counterparts in dental offices, so this very generous donation will allow our students to familiarize themselves with equipment they will likely be using during their careers," said Program Director and Assistant Professor Pamela P. Quinn. "Digital machines are also much more efficient and emit less radiation."

Students, who work under the direct supervision of a licensed dental practitioner, provide no-cost preventive services to community members. Quinn said the facility has served more than 5,000 patients since it opened in 2006 and provided approximately $280,000 worth of free dental care this past academic year. In addition to exposing X-rays, students administer cancer screenings, cavity checks, evaluations, saliva testing, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.

The hygiene students have spearheaded several community outreach projects to educate children and teens about the importance of good oral hygiene. The program has earned three national awards from the American Dental Hygienists Association.

The Dental Hygiene program is located at the College's satellite campus in Rome, N.Y., and students can choose to earn either a two- or four-year degree. Quinn said graduates have had a 100 percent success rate on the national licensing exam for the past six years and the program has seen 100 percent job placement. Dental hygiene is a profession with an ongoing demand in the workforce, which is anticipated to continue through 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier College for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The College delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management, and public service to students in the North Country, New York State, and beyond. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The College's 14 athletic teams compete in state-of-the-art facilities as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

-www.canton.edu-