Dental hygiene students work with uninsured

NORWALK - Dental hygiene students from Cerritos College provided free dental care to those in need at the Care Harbor L.A. event held at the L.A. Sports Arena on Sept. 28.The event provided free medical, dental and vision services to as many as 4,800 uninsured, underinsured and underserved residents in the Los Angeles area. Students worked from sun up to sun down, offering dental hygiene care to more than 160 patients. Oral hygiene instructions and fluoride treatments were given to over 250 additional patients. Dental hygiene student Susana Magana said it was one of the best experiences she's ever had. "I have never felt as useful as I did today," she said. "I felt chills seeing how many good people are willing to volunteer to help those who are less fortunate. This will be my new tradition, to volunteer at this event every year." The Care Harbor organization's mission is to promote the health and well-being of underserved populations by offering free clinic events that provide quality, sustainable care. "I have had the good fortune to attend these Care Harbor events with my students over the years," said Dani Carroll, dental hygiene instructor at Cerritos College. "Seeing the students jump in and volunteer to do whatever was needed to make the event successful really warms my heart. The energy and passion that these students bring to help those less fortunate makes me proud to be one of their instructors." Students in the Cerritos College dental hygiene program regularly volunteer in the community.

********** Published: October 18, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 27