WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Dental hygienist students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport are preparing for what they call Sealant Saturday. On November 4, the school will provide free dental care to kids between the ages of 7-18.
"It is like a preventive thing. We come in and put a coating over their tooth to help prevent cavities," said Mikey Strohm, a second-year student.
"We are excited to be able to work with the community and be able to serve them in many ways including putting sealants on them," said Kaleigh Zuba, a second-year student.
More than 30 second-year dental hygienist students will participate in 'Sealant Saturday'. The event is a graduation requirement and also good practice for a future in dental hygiene.
"It is super important, especially with the younger community," Strohm said. "A lot of the patients in here that we get are older, so, to have a full day to focus on the younger community is really important."
"Just working with people more and more as we can really helps us as clinicians," Zuba added.
"It is a very rewarding experience for the students to give back to the community and also get that hands-on experience on live patients," said Tiana Minnick, a dental instructor.
The college has been doing Sealant Saturday since 2003. Since then, more than 1000 kids have gotten work done on their teeth. They hope people continue taking advantage of the free dental work.
"I am thinking we could probably get like 60 people in here, that is the hope for Sealant Saturday. We have 30 something students now, so if everybody sees two then we will hit our goal," Strohm stated.
The dental hygiene program is still looking for more patients for Sealant Saturday. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, call 570-320-8007.