Community (CM)

Allied dental professionals must appreciate their roles as health professionals at the local, state, and national levels. While the scope of these roles will vary depending on the discipline, the allied dental professional must be prepared to influence others to facilitate access to care and services.

Carthage R-9 School District Sealant Rotation

CM. 3 Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings.

My senior year experience in the dental hygiene program at MSSU was very eventful! My class participated in multiple outside rotations to the surrounding area's elementary school to administer sealants, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride to children in need. This was so beneficial not only to the students receiving the care we provided but to me as well. I did not realize how much I would glean from utilizing the skills I learned from my dental hygiene training to children who are truly in need. Educating children, providing preventative care, and spending time with children in need showed me how important it is to volunteer in my community. It also showed me that I have the knowledge and skills to provide certain aspects of healthcare to these children, some of which they might otherwise never receive.