The State University of New York's (SUNY) Canton dental hygiene program has received a digital x-ray unit, which was donated by Sirona Dental Systems in conjunction with Patterson Dental, the university announced.
The students, who work under the direct supervision of a licensed dental practitioner in the SUNY program, provide no-cost preventive services to community members.
The facility has served more than 5,000 patients since it opened in 2006 and provided approximately $280,000 worth of free dental care this year. In addition to x-rays, students do cancer screenings, caries checks, evaluations, saliva testing, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
Hygiene students can choose either a two- or four-year degree. Graduates have had a 100% success rate on the national licensing exam for the past six years and the program has 100% job placement, according to the university. Demand for dental hygienists is expected to continue through 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
