06-18-2009, 09:27 PM
New CLC dental clinic serves students and poor
By Vincent Pierri | Daily Herald Staff
![[Image: 159890.jpg]](http://i.dailyherald.com/stories/159/normal/159890.jpg)
After three years in cramped quarters, the College of Lake County Dental Hygiene Clinic has moved into a new 10,000-square-foot facility in downtown Waukegan. Students Judy Shin, left and Dee Thomas provide cleanings to patients.
Teachers and students in the College of Lake County's Dental Hygiene Clinic say they are glad to get out of the basement.
After operating for nearly three years in a cramped, windowless facility, the clinic has moved into a newly remodeled space in downtown Waukegan.
CLC officials say the new $2 million, 10,000-square-foot facility is a well-equipped learning laboratory for students that also provides low-cost dental services for the community.
Oral hygiene services are provided to area residents under the supervision of an on-site dentist. Patients pay $15 and can make as many return visits as needed. The fee is waived for CLC students and staff.
Clinic supervisor Vicki Molitor sees their work as a public service.
"We have people coming in who have never been to a dentist," she said. "Some of them are in their 40s and 50s. They are receiving hundreds of dollars worth of dental care for just $15. This clinic is filling a huge need in this community," she said.
The dental hygiene program started in 2000 and was housed for a time at Great Lakes Naval Station, and most recently in the basement of the building at 1 N. Genesee St. School officials will show off the new state-of-the-art facility at 111 N. Genesee St. during an open house, 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23.
Student Mira Sherman said the new place is a major improvement over the previous location.
"The old place was so crowded. Two students would have to share one unit," said the Vernon Hills woman who is set to graduate in May 2010. "This has so much more space. It makes learning so much better."
The new clinic has a dozen dental stations each equipped with a computer. It also features a dental materials lab, radiology equipment for digital X-rays and a spacious reception area.
In addition to cleanings, the clinic offers oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Funding came from the Illinois Capital Development Board.
The college enrolls about 50 students annually in the program. The courses are accredited by the American Dental Association.
Molitor said the job market is good for graduates, though the recession has slowed hiring.
Hourly pay for dental hygienists can range from $25 to $35, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Male students are in the minority. Molitor said they see one or two men in the program each year. "I think there is still that stigma this is a women's profession. Much like nursing was in the past."
Molitor said she feels like the program has made a major leap forward with this move.
"This is really unbelievable," she said. "This facility is state of the art and totally equipped. It's like the real world."
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By Vincent Pierri | Daily Herald Staff
After three years in cramped quarters, the College of Lake County Dental Hygiene Clinic has moved into a new 10,000-square-foot facility in downtown Waukegan. Students Judy Shin, left and Dee Thomas provide cleanings to patients.
Teachers and students in the College of Lake County's Dental Hygiene Clinic say they are glad to get out of the basement.
After operating for nearly three years in a cramped, windowless facility, the clinic has moved into a newly remodeled space in downtown Waukegan.
CLC officials say the new $2 million, 10,000-square-foot facility is a well-equipped learning laboratory for students that also provides low-cost dental services for the community.
Oral hygiene services are provided to area residents under the supervision of an on-site dentist. Patients pay $15 and can make as many return visits as needed. The fee is waived for CLC students and staff.
Clinic supervisor Vicki Molitor sees their work as a public service.
"We have people coming in who have never been to a dentist," she said. "Some of them are in their 40s and 50s. They are receiving hundreds of dollars worth of dental care for just $15. This clinic is filling a huge need in this community," she said.
The dental hygiene program started in 2000 and was housed for a time at Great Lakes Naval Station, and most recently in the basement of the building at 1 N. Genesee St. School officials will show off the new state-of-the-art facility at 111 N. Genesee St. during an open house, 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23.
Student Mira Sherman said the new place is a major improvement over the previous location.
"The old place was so crowded. Two students would have to share one unit," said the Vernon Hills woman who is set to graduate in May 2010. "This has so much more space. It makes learning so much better."
The new clinic has a dozen dental stations each equipped with a computer. It also features a dental materials lab, radiology equipment for digital X-rays and a spacious reception area.
In addition to cleanings, the clinic offers oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Funding came from the Illinois Capital Development Board.
The college enrolls about 50 students annually in the program. The courses are accredited by the American Dental Association.
Molitor said the job market is good for graduates, though the recession has slowed hiring.
Hourly pay for dental hygienists can range from $25 to $35, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Male students are in the minority. Molitor said they see one or two men in the program each year. "I think there is still that stigma this is a women's profession. Much like nursing was in the past."
Molitor said she feels like the program has made a major leap forward with this move.
"This is really unbelievable," she said. "This facility is state of the art and totally equipped. It's like the real world."
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=301238&src=3">http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=301238&src=3</a><!-- m -->