Quinsigamond Community College was pleased to welcome representatives from The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts to campus last month for a tour of the QCC Dental Hygiene Clinic, where they saw firsthand the impact of their recent grant support.
The Foundation’s funding enabled the clinic to purchase state-of-the-art dental chairs, modernizing the student learning environment and improving the overall patient experience. During their visit, Foundation representatives had the opportunity to meet with Dental Clinic staff and faculty to learn how these upgrades are enhancing hands-on instruction and strengthening access to high quality oral health services for the community.
"The Health Foundation stepped up at a critical time when our equipment was becoming obsolete," said Professor of Dental Hygiene and Dental Hygiene Coordinator Jane Gauthier, "Updated equipment allows us to provide students with the proper setting for learning and to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients."
The new chairs represent an important step in QCC’s ongoing efforts to provide students with the tools and technologies they will encounter in professional practice. By investing in equipment that reflects current industry standards, The Health Foundation is helping ensure that QCC graduates enter the workforce confident and prepared to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs. QCC is deeply grateful for the Foundation’s partnership and its continued commitment to supporting educational opportunities and community well-being across Central Massachusetts.
“We are proud to support The Dental Hygiene Clinic at Quinsigamond Community College,” said Dr. Amie Shei, president and CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. “Simply walking through the clinic, it was evident that this investment is being put to good use. Gaps in access to oral health care contribute to preventable health issues, and the updated equipment we have funded supports clinical training and ensures that the latest technology is available to train the future workforce and serve people who might otherwise go without dental care.”
“Our partnership with The Health Foundation underscores the critical role that strong community collaboration plays in advancing our shared goals and strengthening outcomes,” said QCC President Luis G. Pedraja. “We are grateful to The Health Foundation for their partnership and shared commitment to our community.”
QCC's Dental Hygiene Clinic offers comprehensive, low-cost preventative dental care to the community, including cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, periodontal therapy, and more. For qualifying seniors and veterans, some services are available at no cost.
To learn more, visit QCC.edu/dental-clinic.