Students spread smiles through outreach to nonprofits

Published 05.04.2023

Photos provided by SADHA

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For Current Penn College Students

Faculty & Staff

Dental Hygiene

School of Nursing & Health Sciences News

On April 25, the second-year dental hygiene class arranged a community outreach event: Spreading Smiles in Williamsport.

Accompanied by Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association advisers Grace G. Hicks, clinical director of dental hygiene, and Bridget E. Motel, instructor of dental hygiene, the students visited Williamsport nonprofit agencies to learn about the services they provide and share information about the low-cost dental care services available through the Penn College Dental Hygiene Clinic.

A Hope Enterprises client practices brushing after instruction by Gabriella R. Donato (left), of East Berlin, and Jerzey R. Hagen, of Johnstown.

At a year-ending recognition ceremony, the event received a Student Leadership & Involvement Award for Outstanding Community Service Project.

The group visited:

Hope Enterprises, where students provided individualized oral-hygiene supplies and instructions to eight clients with disabilities.
YWCA’s Wise Options, where students learned about the services available to survivors of domestic violence, and Liberty House, for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Students provided 75 oral-hygiene care kits for children and adults and met with seven residents to provide oral-hygiene instructions.
American Rescue Workers, where students learned about the food pantry and shelter services and provided 50 adult oral-care kits.
Family Promise and Shepherd of the Streets, where students met with community organizers and learned about shelter services available through Family Promise and the health care-related services available through Shepherd of the Streets. Students provided 75 oral-care kits for children and adults.

Dental hygiene students join staff and clients at YWCA Nothcentral PA. Standing (starting second from left) are Amanda G. Muehlbauer, of Greentown; Hope E. Weber, of Lock Haven; Mikayla R. Miller, of Sligo; Cameryn Sock, of Elysburg; and Kaytlyn J. Reitenbach, all slated to graduate May 12.

Pausing outside the office of Shepherd of the Streets are dental hygiene students Lorena Super of Port Matilda; Ninoshka M. Rivera Matos, of Lebanon; Kate H. Snyder, of State College; Chelsey L. Streich, of Williamsport; Sabrina Giordano, of White House Station, N.J.; and Cassidy J. Hasenmayer, of Sellersville.

Visiting the American Rescue Workers facility are (from left) Lixuan Pan, of Williamsport; Delaney M. Doan, of Knoxville; Hope Ragan, of Jersey Shore; Maria Curiel, of Williamsport; and Amanda M. Crilley, of Williamsport.

Working with a Hope Enterprises client are students Jensen Boehme, of McConnellsburg; Annalise N. Sappe, of Mechanicsburg; and Janee P. Overpeck, of Towanda.

Students Claudia D. Friskey (left), of Prospect Park, and Morgan R. Weston, of Lewistown, discuss toothbrushing technique with a Hope Enterprises client.

At Hope Enterprises, student Erica N. Wenrich, of Enola, offers an introduction to the instructional activity.

Erica N. Wenrich (left), of Enola, provides brushing tips to a client while student Regan Kline, of Mechanicsburg, looks on.

Lauren E. Karli (with back to camera), of Mechanicsburg, joined by classmate Brooke Estelle (in gray sweater), of Trappe, provides toothbrushing instructions.