Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program fills industry needs with local talent

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Ivy Tech South Bend- Elkhart's Dental Hygiene Program takes a bite out of the growing need for hygienists.

The program opened its doors in 2008.

Over the last 17 years, the program has grown, soon doubling student capacity!

With over 100 applicants to the program each year, adding twice the number of students show interest and the need for dental hygienists.

The move will increase capacity from roughly 12 to 25 students.

The Dental Hygiene Program is filling more than just cavities; it's filling a calling.

"My aunt is actually a dental hygienist, and I kind of always wanted to do it when I was a kid," says second year dentistry student, Rain Bartlett.

Fellow classmate and second year student, Rebeca Serrano says their work is already fulfilling. "I actually started out in like, a community public health center, so that kind of really helped me just learn about the community and my love for helping people," says Serrano.

A passion felt by both students and teachers, including Department Chair of Dental Hygiene, Kelsey Miller.

She helps teach and lead the community clinic.

It offers dental services from students at a reduced rate.

"Anybody can call and make an appointment come in, also the students partake in a couple of courses throughout their education where they do outreach. They actually plan programs so they are responsible to go out into the community, and a lot of them, they have one for pediatric, and one for adults, so that you might see them visiting local schools or shelters or different places where they can provide services outside of the clinical atmosphere," says Miller.

Students typically see two to three patients a day and each appointment are anywhere from two to three hours long.

The first half of the appointment includes a consultation and x-rays if needed that lead to teeth cleaning.

Bartlett and Serrano say their patients, many without insurance or haven't been to the dentist in years, are always grateful for the care.

Ivy Tech South Bend- Elkhart celebrates Ivy Tech week, April 28 through May 2, ahead of its annual gala.

The Ivy Tech Impact Gala, hosted by ABC57, is taking place on Friday, May 2^, at Four Winds Casino.

Head to the 6th Annual Ivy Impact Gala - Ivy Tech Community College website for more information.