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Grants Provide Tooth Tools to Train Dental Assistants

FEBRUARY 11, 2020

ROSEBURG, Oregon – With the award of a $5,000 grant by the Autzen Foundation, as well as a grant of $10,000 courtesy of the Associated Student of Umpqua Community College (ASUCC); student in the Umpqua Community College (UCC) Dental Assisting program will soon have their hands on brand new forceps, scalers, and other dental tools.

These new tools play an integral role in the UCC Dental Assisting program’s ability to serve the community through no-cost dental clinics. Continuing a tradition of providing these clinics to under-served populations in our community. With these tools, the program plans to host at least two clinics in 2020, and offer three clinics a year going forward. Each day-long clinic can serve up to 30 people, as well as offering practical chair-side experience to dental assisting students. All activities will be overseen by a local dentist and hygienists.

Established in 1951, The Autzen Foundation has operated as a philanthropic organization throughout Oregon. This is done through grants to organizations that support social service, arts and culture, educational, environmental, and/or youth-centered missions. To meet the $15,000 goal needed to purchase the tools, ASUCC contributed the additional funds.

The future clinics will be held on campus in the state-of-the-art Dental Labs in the Bonnie J. Ford Health, Nursing, and Science Center. The clinics will provide hands-on training for the 12 to 24 students who graduate of the UCC Dental Assisting program annually. The clinic will provide services that include; cleanings, exams, x-rays, fillings, and extractions.

About Umpqua Community College

Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities.

Contact

Tamara Loosli
Coordinator, Associate Professor, Dental Assisting
Phone: 541-440-4710

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