Spotlight on the Department of Dental Hygiene

May 31, 2022 | Established in 1967, the UAMS Department of Dental Hygiene provides high-quality dental hygiene education and training to prepare its graduates to assume the role of ethical, competent, and progressive professional practitioners.  The Department is committed to addressing the oral health care needs of the community by providing affordable, high quality patient care, as well as community service projects and continuing education programs for practicing dental professionals to support lifelong learning.

The Department graduated 31 students on May 21, 2022. Throughout the academic year, these students performed over 1,200 hours of community service to underserved and underreached populations through serving at volunteer events, providing health promotion and health education, dental cleanings, x-rays, fluoride, and sealants. In addition to the UAMS Dental Hygiene Clinic, the Department partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Special Olympics Arkansas, and elementary schools in Pulaski County.

The UAMS Dental Hygiene Clinic will host an event on June 10, Summer of Smiles. The event will provide free dental cleanings, exams, X-rays, and fluoride for children and adolescents ranging from 3-17 years of age. Community service will continue to be a vital part of the program this upcoming year. In addition to hosting events at the clinic, the Department is expanding community partnerships with the CALL, Dorcas House, Centers for Youth, Boys and Girls Club, Women and Children First, and the UAMS Women’s Center.

Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation (DDAR) funded a community grant that began in January. The funding enables the dental hygiene students the opportunity to deliver oral hygiene education and periodontal treatment to patients that attend the 12^th Street Health and Wellness Center. In addition to providing treatment to patients, this project aids in the student’s development in their skills as well as their ability to work in an interprofessional environment. The Department is grateful for DDAR’s continued support.

Over the past seven months, three faculty members have joined the Department. Two of the new faculty are alumni of UAMS and one graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. New faculty members had the opportunity to attend national conferences including the 20^th Annual Dental Public Health Workshop and the 2022 American Dental Education Association’s Annual Conference to learn the new teaching techniques in the field of dental hygiene.

The UAMS Dental Hygiene Clinic is currently accepting new patients of all ages. The clinic is in the Freeway Medical Tower Suite #501. Under the direct supervision of licensed faculty, students provide a variety of dental hygiene services at very reduced fees under the direct supervision of licensed faculty. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (501) 686-5733.