GPC’s dental hygiene students work with community school children to educate them on dental health and to encourage healthy habits. (Photo by Bill Roa)

The Department of Dental Hygiene at Georgia Perimeter College in the fall received two new gifts to aid in community outreach efforts.

Faculty supervise the work of dental hygiene students in GPC’s clinic.

The John and Mary Franklin Foundation awarded the GPC Foundation $20,000 to help update equipment and technology for the college’s dental hygiene clinic. GPC dental hygiene students, under the supervision of faculty, treat hundreds of Georgia residents through the clinic each year.

The Hollis Brain Foundation awarded $5,000 to GPC to fund new outreach activities. The gift allowed GPC and the DeKalb Board of Health to bring 28 third-grade students from Dresden Elementary School to the GPC dental hygiene clinic in November to receive 97 sealants. Dental hygiene students place the protective coating on the surface of back teeth to help protect them from decay.  

How to floss is one of the lessons taught during Georgia Seal Day. (Photo by Bill Roa)

Dental hygiene students use toys and fun activities to educate children on oral health care. (Photo by Bill Roa)