Targets prevention for its statewide oral health services

Since the Community College of Baltimore County School of Health Professions opened its state-of-the-art Dental Arts Center at CCBC Dundalk in 2008, its Dental Hygiene clinic has recorded more than 18,333 patient visits.  A service of the Dental Hygiene Program, the clinic offers preventive oral health services to people across the state of Maryland at significant savings over general dental fees.  In fact, from spring 2009 through spring 2016, CCBC estimates that its cost compared to general dental fees saved patients $5.8 million.

According to Kathleen D’Ambrisi, director of CCBC’s Dental Hygiene program, “Annually, we record more than 2,500 patient visits.  While some of these patient visits are generated by our Dental Hygiene students who must provide patients for their clinical experiences, others come to us via word of mouth, promotion and community outreach.” 

“The hardest barrier for us to overcome has been the misconception that we provide services only to Dundalk or eastern Baltimore County residents.  In fact, our education program, as well as our clinic services, are open statewide. Our rates based on the patient’s ability to pay.  Also, we work closely with the health department and general dentists in the area to make sure our patients receive the level of care necessary for maintaining good oral health,” notes D’Ambrisi.

Schedule an appointment at the Dental Hygiene Clinic by calling Patrice Gernhardt at 443-840-3495.

Interested in a career in Dental Hygiene?  CCBC offers two options.

The Associate of Applied Arts degree in Dental Hygiene is a two-year program and includes a summer session.  It is currently offered only on the Dundalk campus.  This full-time program, which prepares students for licensure as Dental Hygienists, requires admission through CCBC Selective Admissions.  For full information about the program and admission and registration options, visit the website at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Programs-and-Courses-Finder/Program/dental-hygiene.

CCBC Continuing Education offers classes leading to a Dental Assistant Certificate at both CCBC Dundalk and CCBC Randallstown at Liberty Center.  The Dental Assistant certificate program can be completed in 16-20 weeks. Prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED and attend an orientation session prior to registration.  Upcoming orientations are scheduled at 6 p.m. in the Dental Arts Center at CCBC Dundalk on the following Thursdays - August 18, October 21 and December 15.  No registration is needed; interested parties should just show up! For more information about the Dental Assistant certificate program, visit http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Programs-and-Courses-Finder/ConED-Program/dental-assistant.