Next month, Briarcliffe College will open a free dental hygiene clinic for all Long Island residents. The Briarcliffe College Dental Hygiene Clinic will provide comprehensive dental hygiene services while affording Briarcliffe College students valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
“Briarcliffe students will not only utilize their classroom and clinical skills and knowledge but will help build a new foundation for affordable and accessible dental hygiene care,” said Dr. George Santiago, president and CEO of Briarcliffe College. “Students will meet this critical health need with the highest level of dedication and care in order to make a difference in the Long Island community.”
Dental care is critical to overall well-being, and in today’s economy high insurance costs prohibit many people from receiving vital services and preventative procedures. In keeping with the college’s commitment to increase access to dental care and give back to the community, the new clinic will provide a variety of services.
Under direct supervision of dental hygiene program faculty members, Briarcliff’s students will utilize patients’ dental and medical histories, vital signs and x-rays to provide oral cancer screening, periodontal treatments and fluoride applications. Dental sealants, coronal polishing and other preventative services will also be available.
On Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, Briarcliffe College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at its Patchogue campus to launch the new clinic. Among the invited community leaders were Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, Suffolk County Legislator Ricardo Montano and Chair of the Senate Education Committee Kenneth P. LaValle. Also in attendance were Mr. Ray Thomas for Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Mr. Ken Anziano, District Director for Senator Lee M. Zeldin.
The Briarcliffe College Dental Hygiene Clinic officially opens to the public in February 2013 for pre-screening and radiology appointments. On March 11, 2013, the clinic will be open for all comprehensive dental hygiene services. It will be open between 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Appointments can be made by contacting Arlene Guagliano, Briarcliffe’s dental hygiene department chair, at (631) 730-2075. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred.
Briarcliffe offers one of the only two dental hygiene programs on Long Island and will be accepting students into the program during its next admissions cycle in September 2013. Academic scholarships are available for new and transfer students.
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