Ivy Tech Columbus held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new dental clinic. The event also marked the start of the dental hygiene program on campus, designed to prepare students for careers in dental care. The clinic has already been operating for over a year, providing preventative dental services to local residents and valuable hands-on experience for students.
The dental hygiene program is a new addition at Ivy Tech Columbus, making it one of only three such programs in Indiana, along with those in Anderson and South Bend. There are currently ten students enrolled in Columbus’s dental hygiene program, coming from both the local area and across the state. The increasing need for dental hygienists in Indiana led to the launch of the program and clinic.
Students in the program work side-by-side with local dentists and hygienists, treating patients from Bartholomew County and nearby communities. This approach gives students practical skills and helps provide dental care for people who might not otherwise have access.
Several speakers attended the ceremony, including Ivy Tech President Marty Pollio, Columbus Executive Director of Administration Eric Frey, Dr. Luciana Kano Wilson, Interim Chancellor Stephanie Amos, Dean of Health Sciences Christy Ross, Assistant Professor Jamey Marksberry, and second-year student Yamill Suriel. Suriel shared her personal journey into the dental hygiene program and spoke about her experiences as a student.
After the ribbon-cutting, visitors toured the new dental clinic and Moravec Hall, learning more about the facilities and the opportunities available to students. The event raised awareness of both the educational program and the clinic, which is open to anyone in the community seeking dental services.
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