We spoke with Dr. Patricia Johnson Lane, RDH and student Autumn Gardner about how the Tunxis Community College Dental Hygiene Program helps those in our community achieve healthier smiles and overall health.
Community service lies at the core of the CT State Community College (CT State) Tunxis dental hygiene program, where students work in community health centers, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities to provide oral health services to patients under the guidance of registered dental hygienist faculty. Over the past year, 22 Tunxis dental hygiene students have collectively treated over 1,700 patients. Their community outreach extends to Hartford Public Schools, where they conduct screenings and provide oral health education to children.
In the program, students undergo comprehensive training in an on-campus lab, including how to assess and document patients’ oral health, administering preventive dental care and anesthesia, and providing education on oral health improvement techniques. Soon after, they venture to clinical sites across the state, serving underserved populations such as children, the elderly, and those lacking dental insurance.
Among the locations, UConn Health’s Dental Clinic stands out as a key partner for the program, maintaining a 45-year collaboration. The clinic offers reduced-price cleanings and care for individuals without insurance or with HUSKY. CT State Tunxis dental hygiene students offer evening appointments from September to May at UConn School of Dental Medicine. Dental hygiene services may include cleaning, fluoride treatment, X-rays, sealants, nutritional counseling, oral hygiene instruction, oral cancer screenings and referrals. All students are supervised by faculty who are licensed dental professionals.
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Pictured with Renee DiNino (from left to right): Tunxis student, Autumn Gardner and Dr. Patricia Johnson Lane, RDHPhoto: Meredith Krapek