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Penn College event provides dental care to service members

PHOTO PROVIDED A group of 35 Penn College students — two local dentists and 11 hygienists — recently provided a “Service Saturday” in the college’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. They provided free dental hygiene services to 29 veterans or current service members and their dependents. The event was facilitated by dental hygiene faculty member Kim A. Speicher (standing, far left), and student Jessica L. Srock (standing, front row, far right), of Tyrone.

Pennsylvania College of Technology dental hygiene students, joined by local hygienists and dentists, recently provided free dental hygiene services to 29 current or veteran members of the armed services and their family members.

The 35 students who provided “Service Saturday” treatments are in the Community Dental Health course, taught by Kim A. Speicher, assistant professor of dental hygiene. Each year, the class provides community service to a population in need, Speicher said.

The event was co-facilitated by Speicher and Jessica L. Srock, of Tyrone, who has petitioned to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene: health policy and administration.

In addition to being a student, Srock is in the Army and is a working registered dental hygienist, having received her associate degree in dental hygiene from Penn College in 2017.

“Unless you are 100-percent disabled, no dental insurance is offered,” Srock said of the military’s health care benefits and the need that prompted the Service Saturday event.

Students provided treatments, including cleanings, X-rays and sealants for children, while the licensed professionals provided required supervision. Dentists provided exams and made recommendations for further treatment if needed.

Colgate donated supplies to keep the event free. In addition, the Penn College Veterans Club provided thank you cards and pins to those who came in for service, and the Penn College chapter of the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association provided snacks for the volunteers.

“Everyone has been excited about this,” Speicher said.

Throughout the academic year, the college’s Dental Hygiene Clinic offers low-cost services to the community. Learn more at www.pct.edu/dentalclinic. To make an appointment, call 570-327-4500.

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