New Dental Hygiene Program begins classes

2023年9月19日

Marketing and Strategic Communications

帕洛阿尔托学院 is thrilled to announce the start of classes for its highly anticipated Dental Hygiene Program, providing aspiring dental professionals with an exceptional learning experience and a pathway to a rewarding career in oral healthcare.

During the first cohort's second year, 哪一个会在2024年秋季, the program will also bring low- or no-cost clinical services to better the overall health of the south side community.

"Dental hygiene affects every person in our community, 无论位置如何, 年龄, 或收入,”医生说。. Robert Garza, president of 帕洛阿尔托学院. "As a pillar in south 圣安东尼奥, it is our responsibility to offer degree programs that will not only provide our students with marketable and employable 技能 but also expand beyond the classroom to impact the daily lives of our community."

在德克萨斯州南部，在那里 demand for dental hygienists continues to outpace supply, the 大学 has taken a significant step in contributing to the field of dental hygiene by introducing this comprehensive program to equip students with the knowledge, 技能, and hands-on training they need to succeed.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime," said first-year Dental Hygiene student Elizabeth Moreno, who is enrolled in the program alongside her son. "I am so excited that the 阿拉莫大学 and 帕洛阿尔托学院 have brought this program to the south side because all will benefit from the services of this clinic."

在上课之前, the inaugural cohort had the chance to meet their classmates and faculty and learn valuable tips to make their first year a success. But the most memorable moment for them was when they wrote their names within the secret wall of the facility to cement their role as the founding class of PAC's Dental Hygiene Program.

"This means the start of my future life, and it will bring me 关闭r to higher accomplishments to be a part of such a great program,安德烈斯·莫雷诺说, a first-year Dental Hygiene student.

牙科诊所, located inside the Rio Grande Building, features a collaborative classroom and radiology lab, 30 dental cubicles/operatories equipped with x-ray units, a dental panoramic extraoral imaging machine, 还有消毒室.

到项目的第三年, 帕洛阿尔托学院 projects it will serve up to 1,000 uninsured or under-insured limited-income children and adults annually.

"I estimate that each class throughout their three semesters of clinical courses will give back to the community over $1 million in dental hygiene services." Diane Wilson, program director for Dental Hygiene.

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完成课程后, students must complete state licensing exams to become licensed dental hygienists. 另外, students interested in pursuing a further degree could transfer to UT Health 圣安东尼奥's School of Dentistry to complete the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and, 最终, a Master of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene.

To celebrate the launch of the Dental Hygiene Program, 帕洛阿尔托学院 will be hosting a ribbon-cutting event later this fall. Attendees will be able to tour our state-of-the-art facilities, 满足教师, and gain insights into the dental hygiene profession.

For more information about the Dental Hygiene Program or the application process, visit 阿拉莫.edu/pac/dental-hygiene.